Anti-SLAPP Motion Should Have Been Granted In Registered Sex Offender Case.

The renter/defendant of a house owned by the owner/plaintiff told a potential buyer of the house that a registered sex offender lived immediately across the street from the house.  The sale fell through and the owner sued the renter for interfering with the sale.  The renter filed an anti-SLAPP motion under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.26, which the trial court denied.  The Court of Appeal reversed, finding the disclosed information was closely and directly related to specific issues of great interest to the general public.  Cross v. Cooper   (Cal. App. Sixth Dist.; July 11, 2011) (As Mod.; August 4, 2011) 197 Cal.App.4th 357, [127 Cal.Rptr.3d 903].