Aaron Demarcus White v. Google, et al.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama dismissed Aaron Demarcus White’s pro se claims for slander and libel against Walmart, Google, and Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner with prejudice for failure to state a claim. The court denied jurisdictional dismissal arguments by Google and Sumner, denied White’s motion for default judgment, and found his motion to not dismiss moot.

Holdings

1. The court had diversity subject-matter jurisdiction because White alleged Alabama residency, non-Alabama residency for the defendants, and more than $75,000 in controversy.
2. The court had specific personal jurisdiction over Sumner because White alleged that Sumner committed the claimed intentional tort while performing in Alabama.
3. White's complaint failed to state plausible claims for slander or libel, and dismissal with prejudice was warranted because amendment would be futile.
4. White was not entitled to default judgment because Walmart appeared and filed a motion to dismiss.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the court had diversity subject-matter jurisdiction despite defendants' contention that the claims were frivolous.
2. Whether the court had personal jurisdiction over Sumner based on his alleged performance of the song in Alabama.
3. Whether White's allegations stated plausible claims for slander and libel under Alabama law.
4. Whether White was entitled to default judgment against Walmart.

Disposition

dismissed