Tampa Radio Trial: Schnitt Claims Lies Damaged Reputation

Michelle Schnitt To Testify Friday

Todd Schnitt, 'MJ' on WFLZ

UPDATE 1PM:  Today's testimony in the Todd "MJ" Schnitt civil suit was delayed a day after his attorney was arrested late Wednesday and charged with driving under the influence.


Earlier Posting....

Tampa radio show personality Todd "MJ" Schnitt returned to the stand Wednesday in his defamation lawsuit against rival host Bubba the Love Sponge Clem.

Schnitt is suing Clem over comments made on-air in 2008.

Last week, Clem told jurors MJ and his wife, Michelle, then an assistant state attorney, were "fair game" because they are public figures. Schnitt is suing for an undisclosed amount of money.

According to BayNews9, Schnitt testified Clem's fans took steps that made him and his family hesitant to lead normal lives.

"It completely changed the landscape for us. We were uncomfortable going out, certainly became uncomfortable being with my kids in public," he said.

"We drastically limited my exposure in public, simple things like going to the supermarket," he continued.

Schnitt continued and got emotional in a plea to the jury,"There’s no amount of damages that will compensate me, my wife my family, for what we experienced."

"The lies that were told about us, the damage to our reputation. But the jury should award damages that will… enable us to believe we did all we could possible… to clear our good names, restore our reputation," he said.

Clem's attorneys cross-examined Schnitt following his comments.

Bubba's attorneys say MJ's good name was never damaged. They played several clips to the jury including a song with lyrics suggesting MJ didn't father his children because he is too ugly to have cute kids.

Thursday, Schnitt's wife Michelle will take the stand.

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Todd, MIchelle Schnitt

Clem's attorney asked Schnitt about several incidents with Clem followers, according to tbo.com.

Schnitt recounted driving on the Courtney Campbell Causeway at 65 mph when another vehicle attempted to force him off the road. A passenger in the other vehicle was yelling and throwing things at Schnitt, he said.

At a Gasparilla parade, Schnitt said he was briefly grabbed by a Clem fan. At another, he said a member of "Bubba's Army" yelled at him. He also discussed confrontations with Clem followers in Sarasota and at Channelside movie theater in Tampa.

The result of the harassment, he said, was he and his family became more reclusive.

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