The Home Front

Realtor Sues "USA Today" for Libel

By Luke Mullins

Posted: August 19, 2008

A Realtor in Las Vegas is taking legal action against USA Today, alleging that an article in the newspaper triggered her firing and ruined her career.

From the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

Las Vegas Realtor Erin Schlumpf claims her career was destroyed by a June 3 USA Today article about mortgage fraud in Las Vegas that featured a home she sold in the Sunrise Mountain area.

A lawsuit filed Aug. 6 in District Court accuses USA Today and reporter Greg Farrell of defamation, slander, libel and false light, among other causes of action regarding Schlumpf and her business. The plaintiff is seeking more than $10,000 in damages.

Schlumpf said she was a "prominent" real estate agent, especially in downtown Las Vegas, and was earning more than $100,000 a year in commissions before the article ran.

She was terminated by Liberty Realty after the story ran because her boss didn't want "that kind of publicity." She said she hasn't been able to find another job.

"I had a promising career. I had lots of clients," Schlumpf said at the law offices of Barry Levinson. "Now I can't even get a client. Nobody will list with me or sell. I can't even hang my license anywhere. I'm pretty much wiped out."

Suing for $10,000.00 ?

So this agents entire Real Estate career is worth $10,000.00?

What a joke.

Richard Shoemaker of HI @ Aug 24, 2008 18:48:51 PM

"I had a promising career. I had lots of clients,"

Yeah, right. So didn't the rest of the realtors in the nation. That's just part of the overall housing slump. Give me a break.

mark of FL @ Aug 19, 2008 17:28:59 PM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

The Home Front

The Home Front

Associate Editor Luke Mullins tracks the treacherous housing market and explains how to unload a five-bedroom McMansion or even find that dream home.

advertisement

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!