Randy Michaels Testifies At Schnitt/Bubba Trial

Randy Michaels

Some defamation counts dismissed

After the jury was re-seated around 10:45a this morning, Clem's attorney brought to the stand it's first witness, Benjamin Homel, aka Randy Michaels. Michaels was CEO of Clear Channel Communications at the time of the Clem trial for the hog killing. Michael said CC continued to back Clem during that trial.

He noted that Clem's background was in professional wrestling with a tradition of goading opponents, and the two radio personalities would often take verbal shots at each other which needed some mediation by the radio station management.

At the end of the morning testimony, Michaels told the jury he never heard Bubba Clem give a call to action to any listeners, know as 'Bubba's Army' to do anything physical to Todd Schnitt or his wife Michelle.

The trial is now in lunch recess and will resume at 1:30p Tampa time.

Earlier this morning, the judge in the radio shock trial civil case dismissed several counts of defamation against Bubba the Love Sponge Clem but said the rest of the Todd Schnitt's lawsuit can proceed.

The decision came after Clem's lawyer argued for a directed verdict, according to tbo.com.

Schnitt's lawsuit accuses Clem of making defamatory remarks about him and his wife, Michelle. The suit says Clem incited his listeners, known as "Bubba's Army," to harass the Schnitts in a "radio war" that turned personal.

Schnitt's attorneys rested their case today. Clem's attorneys then argued to have the case dismissed, saying Schnitt's team did not prove the accusations. The judge agreed to dismiss some of the counts and let the jury decide the others.

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