Settlement Reached in High-Profile Defamation Lawsuit Involving Former Law Professor
March 12, 2025, 2:59 pm CDT
A former professor from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University has settled a defamation case against two ex-students. (Photo from Shutterstock)
Joshua D. Wright, who previously taught at the law school, reached a settlement with Elyse Dorsey, who had accused him of leveraging his position to pursue inappropriate relationships with his students. Wright had initially filed a lawsuit seeking $108 million in damages in Fairfax County, Virginia.
As part of the resolution, Wright has dropped his claims against Angela Landry, a Freshfields attorney, while receiving what sources describe as a “relatively modest” settlement amount. Dorsey’s attorney indicated that the settlement is to be covered entirely by insurance and amounts to less than 0.3% of the damages originally sought by Wright.
Wright has consistently maintained that the relationships in question were consensual, characterizing Dorsey and another accuser as “scorned former lovers.” Following the settlement, he expressed relief, stating he feels “fully vindicated.” He emphasized the consensual nature of the relationships involved and stated his commitment to defend his reputation, indicating he may pursue further legal actions against those making false claims.
In response to the settlement, Dorsey expressed satisfaction, highlighting that it would enable her to continue her advocacy efforts without the burdens of ongoing legal disputes. She remarked that the decision to settle was challenging but necessary for her advocacy work.
As for Wright’s remaining options, he can potentially refile claims against Landry within a six-month timeframe. Her attorney, Stacey Rose Harris, pointed out that the dismissal of Wright’s claims speaks volumes, asserting that parties who claim vindication do not typically withdraw their allegations just before a trial.
