CBS Strikes Back at Rather

The clash of TV titans Dan Rather and CBS execs looked like it might get uglier Thursday after the network filed a motion to dismiss Rather’s $70-million lawsuit and CBS officials released a statement claiming they were “mystified” by Rather’s “bizarre allegations.” Back to you, Dan.

The New York Observer:

UPDATE: In the motion, CBS lawyers argue that Mr. Rather’s lawsuit is a “thinly-disguised” defamation suit and therefore is time-barred because of a one-year statute of limitations. To wit: They point out that the last “allegedly wrongful act” took place on June, 16 2006, and that Mr. Rather did not file suit until September 19, 2007, roughly 15 months later.

Furthermore, CBS lawyers argue that Mr. Rather’s actions are motivated not by any wrongful actions on the part of the defendants but, instead, by Mr. Rather’s desire to stay in the limelight.

“This lawsuit is a regrettable attempt by plaintiff Dan Rather to remain in the public eye, and to settle old scores and perceived slights, based on an array of far-fetched allegations,” the lawyers write.

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