October 9, 2014 4:05 PM

Wallbuilders David Barton prevails in defamation litigation

Two former SBOE candidates apologize; damages awarded but unclear whether final settlement included them

David Barton of WallBuilders has prevailed in his defamation lawsuit against State Board of Education candidates Judy Jennings and Rebecca Bell-Metereau.

The lawsuit goes back to a YouTube video, now private, the duo posted in 2010 that stated that Barton was known for speaking at white supremacist rallies. Barton, who conservatives have named to committees to review social studies material, admitted he did speak at a rally but had no idea of the group’s racially charged views.

The losing candidates, and their legal team, are prohibited from discussing the terms of the agreement out of a Parker County court, although conservative activist Donna Garner circulated an email last night that claimed the judgment from Barton’s initial case included a $1 million settlement.

Contacted this morning at work, Jennings would not confirm the amount of the settlement. According to Garner, the terms of the settlement amount, $1 million, had been “satisfied and discharged.” The term makes it unclear whether the entire amount was paid or the parties reached other terms. Jennings declined to discuss it.

By Kimberly Reeves