Stand with John Oliver Against Big Coal!

John Oliver is being sued by Robert Murray, the head of a coal-based energy company who is miffed that Oliver criticized him during a segment on Oliver's HBO show Last Week Tonight. If Murray wins, it could sink John Oliver's show.

Murray is suing Oliver and HBO for defamation after Oliver covered claims that a mine accident that killed nine people was the result of the company's practice, not an earthquake.

The case will move forward in West Virginia, where several of the companies technically suing Oliver are based. This is bad news for John Oliver, as it is basically the same setup that sunk the media company Gawker after it lost a suit brought by Hulk Hogan. Gawker folded under the expense of the lawsuit before it could take the case to a higher court. Murray is hoping to copy this move.

In a state court in the coal companies' locale, the judge is much more likely to rule in Big Coal's favor.

West Virginia does not have an anti-SLAPP law, which protects people from a lawsuit filed in retaliation for speaking out on a public issue or controversy.

John Oliver's show is an important contribution to our democracy and constitutes legal free speech. He should not be sunk by a costly lawsuit simply for exercising his free speech rights.

Please sign this petition if you stand with John Oliver against Big Coal!
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