The former and future Republican opponent of Maxine Waters Joe Collins has won a day in court in his defamation and libel lawsuit against Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Collins, a 13 1/2 year Navy veteran who hosts a program heard on KABC Radio, filed a complaint against Waters and her campaign in September. He accused them of falsely advertising, during the campaign, through printed material and radio commercials that he was dishonorably discharged in an effort to deceive the voters. The South-Central native states Waters knew that was a lie because in 2018 he met with her office to get help with his veteran benefits. The paperwork stated Collins served honorably in the Navy, receiving decorations and commendations. In December, Collins started the process toward a default judgment against Waters and her campaign committee, Citizens for Waters and unspecified individuals to be named later. That ‘s when Waters then filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on free-speech grounds. However, the judge nixed the hearing on that motion saying Water’s side has not responded to the default judgment against them. Collins is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. A new hearing has been set for March 22.
Sharon Reardon, KABC News
