KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports, classifieds-Lawsuit Against Dixie Chicks Moved to Federal Court

Lawsuit Against Dixie Chicks Moved to Federal Court

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - A defamation lawsuit against the Dixie Chicks has been moved from Pulaski County Circuit Court to federal court in Little Rock.

 Terry Hobbs, the stepfather of one of three boys murdered in West Memphis 15 years ago, filed the lawsuit against the country music band.

Hobbs focuses on singer Natalie Maines in particular, saying he was defamed when she spoke out at a Little Rock rally for three men convicted of the slayings and when she alleged that Hobbs was instead involved in the killings.

 The lawsuit was moved to federal court after attorneys for the Dixie Chicks argued that federal jurisdiction applies because the parties are from different states and the amount of damages being sought will likely exceed $75,000.

 A federal judge, however, could return the case to state court.

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