JRT Realty Group, Inc. v Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.

Holding The court affirmed the dismissal of the plaintiff’s claims, holding that the defamation and tortious interference claims were barred by New York’s anti-SLAPP statute because the underlying email addressed a public interest issue. Additionally, the court found the plaintiff lacked standing to enforce the contract and failed to meet the heightened substantial-basis standard required for anti-SLAPP motions.

The court’s words

The challenged April 2024 email constituted conduct in furtherance of protected speech

2026 NY Slip Op 06400, at the official text

issues relating to a subcontractor's performance on a City contract that are not

2026 NY Slip Op 06400, at the official text

plaintiff was required to show a "substantial basis in law" for its defamation claim

2026 NY Slip Op 06400, at the official text

allegations in the complaint rest almost entirely on meanings that can be inferred

2026 NY Slip Op 06400, at the official text

contractual provisions governing staffing, subcontractor changes, and compliance obligations constitute promises running exclusively to DCAS

2026 NY Slip Op 06400, at the official text