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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Testimony Concludes In ‘MJ’ vs. Bubba Defamation Trial

Kim 'Jabberjaw' Collelo
With witness testimony apparently complete, Bubba the Love Sponge Clem's attorneys asked a judge again to throw out a defamation lawsuit filed by radio rival Todd "MJ" Schnitt.

The request came today after the jury was dismissed for lunch, according to tbo.com.   Before that, they heard testimony from Kimberly Collelo, known as "Jabberjaw" on air when working as a producer, first for Schnitt and later Clem. She now works for a law firm.

Closing statements could come next in the high-profile trial. In the suit, Schnitt claims Clem defamed Schnitt and his wife in a ratings battle and incited Clem's fans, known as "Bubba's Army," to harass the Schnitts.

Today, Clem's attorney, Greg Hearing, argued that other parts of the suit should not go to the jury, based on testimony given during trial. Five of the defamation counts were dismissed Monday.

The judge did not rule on the request before attorneys were sent out for lunch.

Collelo worked for Schnitt's show in the mid-2000s. She also did babysitting work for the Schnitts during that time. She later worked for Clem's show about 2½ years, until 2011.

In an on-air 2008 conversation with Clem, Collelo said a "reliable source" accused Schnitt of fixing ratings books. She also accused Schnitt of receiving "plug-ola" money for personal sponsorships. "There's no doubt in mind," she said in the recording playedin court.

Under cross-examination, Collelo denied having direct knowledge of either allegation.

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