Porno Pete Threatens To Sue Salon

Peter LaBarbera has posted a letter from his lawyer in which he threatens to sue Salon and writer Kate Geiselman because she quoted him as saying, "Are you effing kidding?" And since LaBarbera doesn't curse, that quote constitutes defamation meant to expose him to "public hatred, contempt, ridicule, shame or disgrace." Seriously.

"By your false and defamatory statements you have maliciously sought to injure Mr. LaBarbera in his reputation and to expose him to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, shame or disgrace. You have also sought to injure him in his trade or profession. We hereby demand that you issue a public retraction of, and a public apology for, your false and defamatory statements made against Mr. LaBarbera. If you and Salon.com do not do so within ten (10) days from the date of this e-mail, then we will take all necessary steps to protect Mr. LaBarbera’s rights including bringing a lawsuit against you and Salon.com for compensatory and punitive damages. Please place any homeowner’s insurance carrier and professional liability carrier that you may have on notice of this claim. Such liability insurance may be available to satisfy this claim if you are a member of a teacher’s union. We look forward to your response or the response of your legal representative within the next ten days."

Effing is a curse word?