How is Mario Lopez defending against the $25M 'Flu Shot Cheerleader' defamation claim? Drama explained

American actor and host Mario Lopez was sued by 'Flu Shot Cheerleader,' Desiree Townsend, for making comments about her online. She believed that the Eastside actor was starting a "smear campaign" against her by reposting an old video she was not proud of. However, Lopez's legal team defended the actor, saying that everything he said in his social media post is protected by free speech.

According to court documents exclusively obtained by RadarOnline.com, this is how Mario Lopez responded to Townsend's complaint. The document reads:

"Defendant alleges that any representations or omissions alleged in the Complaint were protected by Defendant's First Amendment Rights to Freedom of Speech... Defendant's statements were purely opinions, and not statements of fact, and no reasonable person who heard the statements would have interpreted them as anything but opinions."

Things escalated to this point after Desiree Townsend had asked Mario to take down the comment he made against her. After the actor's refusal, she decided to sue him for $25 million.

Why did Mario Lopez file a restraining order against Desiree Townsend?

While the online feud between Mario Lopez and Desiree Townsend has been going on for a few months, on Father's Day, Desiree decided to show up at the actor's house to serve him with legal papers in front of his family and children. This is what led Lopez to file a restraining order against the paralegal.

Additionally, new terms have been established, and Townsend is required to stay 100 yards away from the actor and his family at all times.

Mario Lopez's attorney believed that his client required the restraining order. He elaborated:

"Mr. Lopez was harmed by the most recent harassment when Ms. Townsend arrived at his home on Father's Day with a process server, causing chaos and fear for his young children and family members who witnessed the event... She then escalated the harm by posting a video of the service on TikTok, exposing his family and home address to millions of viewers, placing them at risk of further harassment, public ridicule, and potential physical danger."

Desiree Townsend also responded to this decision. She said:

"This was a very bizarre hearing... The judge granted part of the order, requiring me to stay away from Lopez and his family and to speak about him only in the context of the lawsuits and litigation... Here's where things took an odd turn... the judge openly stated that I 'needed to be taught a lesson,' despite the statute's purpose being to prevent future harm, not to punish alleged past conduct."

She concluded by saying:

"The judge disregarded Lopez's in-court outburst, justifying his angry rage instead of recognizing it for what it was."

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Mario Lopez is defending himself against Townsend's $25 million defamation claim by arguing that his comments were protected under free speech. The legal court documents claim that his statements were "opinions, and not statements of fact." Lopez also has a restraining order filed against Desiree Townsend.

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