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Demi Engemann Moves to Dismiss Marciano Brunette’s Defamation Suit Under Utah Anti‑SLAPP Law

The Utah filing invokes the anti‑SLAPP statute to require Brunette to prove actual malice.

Overview

  • Engemann filed a Feb. 17 motion in Utah federal court calling Brunette’s case a “sham” brought for publicity and asked the judge to toss it.
  • Her filing seeks attorneys’ fees and argues her comments were protected speech on a matter of public concern.
  • The motion cites Utah’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act and contends Brunette must meet the actual‑malice standard to proceed.
  • Engemann also points to a February 2025 performer agreement she says includes a broad release covering reputational claims, including defamation.
  • Brunette’s Dec. 5 complaint alleges Engemann and the production branded him a “sexual predator,” denies misconduct as he describes a consensual kiss, and claims lost work and harassment; the case remains pending.