Mitchell v. Fix ( 2023 )

[Cite as Mitchell v. Fix, 2023-Ohio-1957.]
COURT OF APPEALS
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO
FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
BOBBY MITCHELL : JUDGES:
:
: Hon. William B. Hoffman, P.J.
Plaintiff-Appellant : Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
: Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
-vs- :
: Case No. 2022 CA 00037
:
JEFFREY M. FIX :
:
:
Defendant-Appellee : OPINION
CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING: Appeal from the Fairfield County Court
of Common Pleas, Case No. 2022 CV
00153
JUDGMENT: AFFIRMED
DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY: June 13, 2023
APPEARANCES:
For Plaintiff-Appellant: For Defendant-Appellee:
JOSHUA J. BROWN BRIAN S. STEWART
5086 North High Street LUCAS A. THOMPSON
Columbus, OH 43214 118 North Washington Street
Circleville, OH 43113
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 2
Delaney, J.
{¶1} Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell appeals the August 30, 2022 judgment
entry of the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
{¶2} On April 4, 2022, Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell filed a verified complaint
for defamation with the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas. Mitchell named
Defendant-Appellant Jeffrey M. Fix as the party defendant. Based on procedural posture
of this case, the following facts are taken from Mitchell’s complaint, which included his
affidavit, the affidavit of Michael Tussey, and copies of Facebook posts.
Election for the Bloom Township Trustee
{¶3} For the November 2, 2021 election cycle, Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell
was running for one of the two open seats for Trustee in Bloom Township, Fairfield
County, Ohio. He was running as a Republican. His opponents for the Trustee position
were Carol Moore and Brian Randles, also members of the Republican Party.
The Mailer
{¶4} Sometime in the Fall of 2021, residents of Fairfield County received political
mailers through the USPS. The mailer said,
JOE BIDEN & THE DEMOCRATS ARE DESTROYING AMERICA
X RISING GAS PRICES …
X EMBARRASSMENT IN AFGHANISTAN …
X OUTRAGEOUS MASK MANDATES …
DON’T LET CAROL MOORE & BRAIN RANDLES Do the Same to Bloom
Township
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 3
The mailer included a photo of Joe Biden surrounded by the American flag. It also
included the photos of Carol Moore and Brian Randles. Mitchell’s complaint states the
mailings were sent by the “End Corruption PAC.”
{¶5} Mitchell states in his complaint that he spoke with Fix on the telephone
regarding the mailers two times, during which Mitchell told Fix that he was not aware of
or involved in the dissemination of the mailers.
{¶6} According to his March 22, 2022 affidavit attached to Mitchell’s complaint,
Michael Tussey was the Chief of Police in Baltimore, Ohio at the time Fairfield County
residents received the mailers. Chief Tussey was contacted by a Fairfield County resident
who was concerned about the mailer. After contacting Mitchell who denied any knowledge
of the source of the mailer, Chief Tussey started an “inquiry” into the mailer. Chief
Tussey’s affidavit does not state the “inquiry” was an official police investigation. After his
inquiry into the mailer, which included contacting people involved in central Ohio politics,
Chief Tussey was convinced that Mitchell did not participate in the mailer. Chief Tussey
contacted Fix to share the results of his inquiry. Fix told Chief Tussey that he was going
to withdraw his endorsement of Mitchell.
Fix’s Facebook Posts
{¶7} In 2021, Defendant-Appellant Jeffrey M. Fix was the Chairman of the
Fairfield County Republican Party. He also served as a Fairfield County Commissioner.
{¶8} Mitchell attached Exhibit C to his complaint, which are Facebook posts
regarding the Bloom Township Trustee Election. The following posts are relevant to this
appeal.
{¶9} On October 23, 2021, “Jeff Fix” posted the following to his Facebook page:
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 4
Endorsing candidates is a tricky business. As a Commissioner and as
Chairman of the Republican Party in Fairfield County I am asked often to
support one candidate or another. I reserve these endorsements for people
that I know and trust, and who I believe will do an excellent job as a public
servant. I am proud of both my and the County Party’s record (two separate
things) when it comes to endorsements.
This year, among many others in various races, Bobby Mitchell asked me
to support his run for Bloom Township Trustee. As I had encouraged Bobby
previously to run for a local office so that he could prove himself as a public
servant, and have been working with Bobby to expand our conservative
minority base in the Republican Party in Fairfield County, I felt it appropriate
to endorse Bobby in this race.
* * * So last weekend I publicly stated my endorsement for both Bobby
Mitchell and Brian Randles for the two seats up for election in Bloom
Township.
Thursday I got a copy of a mail piece that was sent out in Bloom Township
– paid for by the “End Corruption PAC.” This mail piece is a succinct
example of how unsavory our political process has become. The piece is
supportive of Bobby Mitchell but goes on to attempt to tie Brian Randles
and Carol Moore (also an incumbent Republican) to Joe Biden * * *. I
thought I had seen it all in the most recent Republican Primary for the 15th
Congressional District, but this mail piece is – by far – the worst thing I’ve
ever seen. It honestly makes me want to throw up.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 5
* * * This mail piece is the most disgusting piece of political advertising I’ve
ever witnessed. I confronted Bobby Mitchell with all of this yesterday. He
completely and passionately denied any knowledge of this piece, said it was
an embarrassment, and immediately made public his disdain for it. And on
the other side I’ve had some people tell me that Bobby had predicted that a
PAC would be putting out a mail piece that would be helpful to him.
At this point, I don’t know what to believe.
Here’s what I do know. I know that Brian Randles and Carol Moore have
been Township Trustees in Bloom Township for quite some time and there’s
never been any drama there. * * *
We’ve worked really hard in the County Party, and I’ve worked really hard
as Chairman, to minimize the drama with all of our elected officials. We’ve
successfully removed those who created problems, and replaced them with
capable, hard-working, honest public servants; and we’ve recruited,
endorsed, and supported strong candidates who have become great
elected officials as well.
I hear the passion in Bobby Mitchell’s voice when he declares that he has
nothing to do with this advertisement. I honestly believe him. But if avoiding
drama and at the same time supporting those who to job well is the path we
follow, then perhaps we should all support Brian Randles and Carol Moore
in Bloom Township and hope that Bobby Mitchell can find a way to become
a public servant that does not create this type of angst.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 6
This is a no-win situation. Bobby Mitchell is a decent, smart man who served
in the military, serves his community as a pastor, a day-care operator, and
a food-bank leader. He takes care of many people who need help and that
is something I admire.
At the same time, there is no place for this type of tripe in our local politics.
* * * There is no place in our county for this type of campaign advertising.
Not now, hopefully not ever.
So there you have it. All my thoughts. I have rarely struggled more with
knowing exactly what the right thing to do is. I hate being in this position. I
hate that some stupid PAC – who really knows the motivation – has taken
a blender to our local political scene. I hate that Bobby Mitchell, if he had
nothing to do with this, is getting sucked under the bus. And I hate that if he
did have something to do with it that he didn’t understand that this is NOT
how to win the hearts and minds of the electorate.
(Exhibit C).
{¶10} On October 28, 2021, “Jeff Fix, Fairfield County Commissioner” posted the
following on his Facebook page:
I am officially rescinding my endorsement of Bobby Mitchell. The same PAC
that “mysteriously” intervened into the Bloom Township race has now joined
the Canal Winchester City Council race where – not coincidentally – Bobby
Mitchell’s “God-daughter” is a first time candidate. There is no room for this
type of politics in Fairfield County. I am tremendously disappointed.
(Exhibit C).
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 7
{¶11} On October 29, 2021, “Jeff Fix” posted the following on his Facebook page:
To all my friends in Bloom Township. You may have gotten a piece of
political mail yesterday that is outrageous and sick. Brian Randles and Carol Moore
are good Republicans, strong Township Trustees, and just plain
good people. The fact that a PAC is spreading lies like this can easily be
attributed to the fact that Bobby Mitchell is in this race. This is NOT how we
run elections in Fairfield County and that message needs to be reiterated
by the voters loud and clear. I strongly urge all the good people of Bloom
Township to vote for both Brian Randles and Carol Moore on Tuesday.
(Exhibit C).
Post-Election Comments
{¶12} The election was held on November 2, 2021. Carol Moore and Brian
Randles were elected as the Trustees for Bloom Township.
{¶13} Chief Tussey attended the Fairfield County Republican Party Executive
Committee meeting on November 4, 2021. During Fix’s leadership report, Chief Tussey
averred that Fix told the party members to avoid engaging in negative campaigning and
raised the Bloom Township Trustee election as an example. Chief Tussey further stated
in his affidavit that he heard Fix say:
As a result, Fix decided to endorse Mitchell [for the Bloom Township Trustee
election]. Fix stated that a Political Action Committee unknown to him (Fix),
entered the Bloom Township Trustee race, disseminating negative
documents by mail about the two candidates opposing Mitchell in the race,
in support of Mitchell’s campaign. Fix stated that he contacted Mitchell and
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 8
that Mitchell pleaded to Fix that Mitchell had nothing to do with the PAC and
had no control of what was being said. Fix said this is why he withdrew his
endorsement and (in Fix’s words) “distanced himself from Mitchell.” Fix
ended by saying that Mitchell’s actions had sickened him.
(Exhibit B).
Claim for Defamation
{¶14} The sole claim raised in Mitchell’s complaint was for defamation. He argued
Fix’s statement that Mitchell sent the mailers was false and Fix had knowledge of the
falsity. (Complaint, ¶ 26). Fix’s statements on Facebook and at the Fairfield County
Republican Party Executive Committee Meeting also disseminated false, factual
information about Mitchell and was not Fix’s opinion. (Complaint, ¶ 30, 31). Fix’s
statements subjected Mitchell to public contempt, public hatred, ridicule, shame, and
disgrace. (Complaint, ¶ 18, 28). “Fix’s statements were defamatory per se, where
damages are presumed. Alternatively, due to the defamation of Defendants, Plaintiff
suffered and continues to suffer irreparable harm. Plaintiff asserts these damages to
exceed $25,000.00.” (Complaint, ¶ 38).
Motion to Dismiss
{¶15} On May 6, 2022, Fix filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in lieu of an
answer. Fix argued that Mitchell’s complaint for defamation should be dismissed for
failure to state a claim under Civ.R. 12(B)(6). Fix first claimed that his statements
regarding Mitchell were not defamatory per se. In his complaint, Mitchell argued that Fix
defamed him when he said that Mitchell sent the mailers. Fix admitted that he authored
the October 23, 28, and 29, 2021 Facebook posts. A review of his Facebook posts,
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 9
however, showed that Fix never said Mitchell sent the mailers; rather, Fix stated the PAC
sent the mailers. Fix next argued that as the Chairman of the Fairfield County Republic
Party, any statements he made about Mitchell, a candidate for public office in Fairfield
County, were privileged. Finally, Fix argued that upon a review of the alleged facts in a
light most favorable to Mitchell, it could be argued that Mitchell raised arguments for
defamation per quod; however, Mitchell’s complaint did not plead special damages and
therefore, his complaint should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
{¶16} Mitchell filed his memorandum contra on May 20, 2022. Mitchell argued
Fix’s statements that Mitchell was responsible for the mailers were knowingly false and
therefore, met the Civ.R. 12(B)(6) threshold for defamation per se. It was unnecessary to
plead special damages because Mitchell was not alleging defamation per quod.
{¶17} Fix filed a reply on May 31, 2022.
{¶18} On August 30, 2022, the trial court issued its judgment entry granting Fix’s
motion to dismiss Mitchell’s complaint for defamation. The trial court found that taking all
statements in Mitchell’s complaint as true and construing all inferences in favor of Mitchell,
Mitchell raised a claim for defamation per quod. Mitchell, however, did not plead special
damages in his complaint and therefore, failed to state a claim entitling him to relief.
{¶19} It is from this judgment that Mitchell now appeals.
ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR
{¶20} Mitchell raises four Assignments of Error:
I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY FINDING THAT THE COMPLAINT OF
PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT BOBBY MITCHELL FAILED TO STATE A CLAIM
UPON WHICH RELIEF CAN BE BASED, PURSUANT TO CIV.R. 12(B)(6),
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 10
BECAUSE MITCHELL’S COMPLAINT FOR DEFAMATION WAS A
COMPLAINT FOR DEFAMATION PER QUOD, AND THUS REQUIRED
AN AVERMENT OF SPECIAL DAMAGES IN THE PLEADING.
II. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY BASED ITS OPINION
ON CERTAIN ERRONEOUS CONCLUSIONS OF FACT, WHERE THERE
WAS A MATERIAL AND GENUINE DISPUTE REGARDING THOSE
FACTS.
III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT APPELLEE FIX’S
STATEMENTS WERE PRIVILEGED.
IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT APPELLEE FIX’S
STATEMENTS WERE OPINION.
ANALYSIS
Standard of Review
{¶21} On August 30, 2022, the trial court dismissed Mitchell’s complaint for
defamation pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6), failure to state a claim upon which relief can be
granted. Our standard of review on a Civil Rule 12(B) motion to dismiss is de novo. Dover
Chemical Corp. v. Dover, 2022-Ohio-2307, 192 N.E.3d 559, ¶ 32 (5th Dist.) citing
Huntsman v. State, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2016CA00206, 2017-Ohio-2622, 2017 WL
1710432, ¶ 20, citing Greeley v. Miami Valley Maintenance Contractors Inc., 49 Ohio
St.3d 228, 551 N.E.2d 981 (1990). A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon
which relief can be granted is procedural and tests the sufficiency of the complaint. State
ex rel. Hanson v. Guernsey County Bd. of Commissioners, 65 Ohio St.3d 545, 605 N.E.2d
378 (1992). Under a de novo analysis, we must accept all factual allegations of the
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 11
complaint as true, and all reasonable inferences must be drawn in favor of the nonmoving
party. Byrd v. Faber, 57 Ohio St.3d 56, 565 N.E.2d 584 (1991). In order to dismiss a
complaint pursuant to Civil Rule 12(B)(6), it must appear beyond doubt that the plaintiff
can prove no set of facts in support of the claim that would entitle plaintiff to relief. York
v. Ohio State Highway Patrol, 60 Ohio St.3d 143, 573 N.E.2d 1063 (1991).
Types of Defamation
{¶22} To establish defamation, the plaintiff must show (1) a false statement of fact
was made, (2) that the statement was defamatory, (3) the statement was published, (4)
the plaintiff suffered injury as a proximate result of the publication, and (5) the defendant
acted with the requisite degree of fault in publishing the statement. Dordea v. Freleng, 5th
Dist. Stark No. 2022 CA 00128, 2023-Ohio-1408, ¶ 13 citing Am. Chem. Soc. v.
Leadscope, Inc., 133 Ohio St.3d 366, 2012-Ohio-4193, 978 N.E.2d 832, ¶77, citing
Pollock v. Rashid, 117 Ohio App.3d 361, 368, 690 N.E.2d 903 (1st Dist.1996).
“Defamation can take the form of libel or slander. Libel refers to written or printed
defamatory words and slander generally refers to spoken defamatory words.” Id. quoting
Matikas v. Univ. of Dayton, 152 Ohio App.3d 514, 2003-Ohio-1852, 788 N.E.2d 1108,
¶27.
{¶23} There are two types of defamation, defamation per se and defamation per
quod. For a communication to be defamatory per se, it must be actionable upon the very
words spoken without regard to the interpretation of the listener, i.e., it is actionable on its
face. Spitzer v. Knapp, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 19 CAE 01 0006, 2019-Ohio-2770, 2019
WL 2764071, ¶ 51 citing A & B-Abell Elevator Co. v. Columbus/Cent. Ohio Bldg. & Contr.
Trades Council, 73 Ohio St.3d 1, 651 N.E.2d 1283 (1995). A statement is defamation per
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 12
se, on its face, when it reflects upon his or her character in such a manner that would
cause him to be ridiculed, hated, or held in contempt, or in a manner that will injure him
in his trade or profession. Id. Unless a privilege applies, damages and fault are generally
presumed to exist if a statement is defamatory per se. Wampler v. Higgins, 93 Ohio St.3d
111, 752 N.E.2d 962 (2001). Defamation per quod refers to a communication that is
capable of being interpreted as defamatory, i.e., it must be determined by the
interpretation of the listener, through innuendo, as being either innocent or damaging.
Dover Chem. Corp. v. Dover, 5th Dist. No. 2021 AP 07 0016, 2022-Ohio-2307, 192
N.E.3d 559, 2022 WL 2357262, ¶ 59 citing Northeast Ohio Elite Gymnastics Training
Center v. Osborne, 183 Ohio App.3d 104, 2009-Ohio-2612, 916 N.E.2d 484 (9th Dist.).
For defamation per quod, special damages must be pled and proven. Northeast Ohio
Elite Gymnastics Training, 2009-Ohio-2612 at ¶ 9. Special damages are of such a nature
that they do not follow as a necessary consequence of the complained injury. Id. “Special
damages are those direct financial losses resulting from the plaintiff's impaired
reputation.” Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956); Sky v.
Westhuizen, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2018 CA 00127, 2019-Ohio-1960.
I. Defamation Per Quod
{¶24} In his first Assignment of Error, Mitchell contends the trial court erred when
it found that his complaint alleged defamation per quod. We disagree.
{¶25} A statement is defamatory per se when it falls into three categories: (1)
the imputation of an indictable offense involving moral turpitude or infamous
punishment, (2) the imputation of some offensive or contagious diseases calculated to
deprive the person or society, or (3) having the tendency to injure the plaintiff in his
trade or occupation.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 13
Martin v. Wegman, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos. C-180268, C-180308, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶ 13
quoting Williams v. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., 162 Ohio App.3d 596,
2005-Ohio-4141, 834 N.E.2d 397, ¶ 8 (1st Dist.). To constitute libel per se, the statement
must reflect “upon the character of such person by bringing him into ridicule, hatred, or
contempt, or affect him injuriously in his trade or profession.” Martin, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶
20 quoting Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 553, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956). Mitchell
argues that Fix’s Facebook posts and statements at the Fairfield County Republican Party
Executive Committee Meeting are defamatory per se because he accused Mitchell of
moral turpitude. He also claimed that Fix’s false statements “were made in the context of
an attempt to persuade people to view Mitchell with contempt.” (Verified Complaint, page
6). We find that while Mitchell’s complaint recites the language from the defamation per
se definition, the factual allegations in his complaint cannot sustain an action for
defamation per se.
{¶26} In order for a statement to be defamatory per se, it must be defamatory
upon the face of the statement. Dudee v. Philpot, 2019-Ohio-3939, 133 N.E.3d 590, ¶ 68
(1st Dist.) citing Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 556, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956). When
a statement is only defamatory through interpretation, innuendo, or consideration of
extrinsic evidence, then it is defamatory per quod and not defamatory per se. Id. Mitchell’s
defamation complaint centers on the mailer. In Mitchell’s complaint he alleged, “26. Fix’s
statement that Mitchell sent the mailers was false. 27. Fix’s statements were about
Plaintiff Bobby Mitchell – Fix stated that Mitchell sent the mailers.” (Verified Complaint,
page 5). A review of Fix’s Facebook posts and Chief Tussey’s affidavit attached to the
verified complaint shows, however, Fix never stated that Mitchell sent the mailer. Fix
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 14
stated the PAC sent the mailer. Fix’s Facebook posts and alleged statement as recited in
Chief Tussey’s affidavit requires interpretation and consideration of extrinsic evidence
that Mitchell was responsible for the mailer.
{¶27} Fix posted on Facebook:
This mail piece is the most disgusting piece of political advertising I’ve ever
witnessed. I confronted Bobby Mitchell with all of this yesterday. He
completely and passionately denied any knowledge of this piece, said it was
an embarrassment, and immediately made public his disdain for it. And on
the other side I’ve had some people tell me that Bobby had predicted that a
PAC would be putting out a mail piece that would be helpful to him.
At this point, I don’t know what to believe.
***
I hear the passion in Bobby Mitchell’s voice when he declares that he has
nothing to do with this advertisement. I honestly believe him. But if avoiding
drama and at the same time supporting those who to job well is the path we
follow, then perhaps we should all support Brian Randles and Carol Moore
in Bloom Township and hope that Bobby Mitchell can find a way to become
a public servant that does not create this type of angst.
Another Facebook post stated:
The same PAC that “mysteriously” intervened into the Bloom Township race
has now joined the Canal Winchester City Council race where – not
coincidentally – Bobby Mitchell’s “God-daughter” is a first time candidate.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 15
Another Facebook post stated, “The fact that a PAC is spreading lies like this can easily
be attributed to the fact that Bobby Mitchell is in this race.” Drawing all reasonable
inferences in favor of Mitchell, Mitchell stated a claim for defamation per quod because
Fix implied that Mitchell was involved with the mailer and negative politics through
interpretation and innuendo.
{¶28} Our analysis does not end here, however. In a claim for defamation per
quod, the plaintiff must allege special damages. “Special damages are damages of such
a nature that they do not follow as a necessary consequence of the claimed injury. * * *
Civ.R. 9(G) requires that if special damages are claimed, they must be specifically stated.”
Peters v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab & Corr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-1048, 2015-Ohio-
2668, ¶ 7 quoting Mohican Ents., Inc. v. Aroma Design Group, Inc., 10th Dist. Franklin
No. 96APE01-26 (Sept. 10, 1996). In this case, Mitchell’s allegations regarding damages
cannot sustain an action for defamation per quod because he did not allege special
damages in his verified complaint. “Absent an explanation of how the harm extends
beyond reputation and translates into a separate harm, like an economic harm, the
complaint fails to plead special damages at all, much less with the specificity required by
Civ.R. 9(G).” Martin, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶ 21.
{¶29} Accordingly, the trial court did not err in granting Fix’s motion to dismiss
pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6) on Mitchell’s claim for defamation per quod as Mitchell cannot
maintain a defamation per quod claim without pleading special damages. Spitzer v.
Knapp, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 19 CAE 01 0006, 2019-Ohio-2770, 2019 WL 2764071, ¶
52 citing McWreath v. Cortland Bank, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2010-T-0023, 2012-Ohio-
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 16
3013; Peters v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab. & Corr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-1048, 2015-
Ohio-2668.
{¶30} Mitchell’s first Assignment of Error is overruled.
II., III., and IV.
{¶31} In his second Assignment of Error, Mitchell contends the trial court
improperly based its opinion on certain erroneous conclusions of fact. He argues in his
third Assignment of Error that the trial court erred in finding that Fix’s statements were
privileged. Finally, in his fourth Assignment of Error, he contends the trial court erred in
finding that Fix’s statements were opinions.
{¶32} This appeal is before us regarding the trial court’s judgment to grant Fix’s
motion to dismiss pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6). Our standard of review on a Civ.R. 12(B)(6)
appeal is de novo, which requires an independent review of the evidence before the trial
court without any deference to the trial court’s determination. In this case, our de novo
review found that Mitchell alleged a claim for defamation per quod but failed to plead
special damages pursuant to Civ.R. 9(G), necessitating a dismissal for failure to state a
claim.
{¶33} Having determined the trial court's granting of Mitchell’s claim pursuant to
Civ.R. 12(B)(6) on the issue of defamation per quod was appropriate, we find it is
unnecessary to address the Mitchell’s remaining Assignments of Error based on the two-
issue rule. Blackmore v. S. Cent. Power Co., 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 13-CA-54, 2014-Ohio-
2946, 2014 WL 2998702, ¶ 36 citing Hawkins v. World Factory, Inc., 5th Dist. Muskingum
No. CT2012–0007, 2012–Ohio–4579, ¶ 22.
{¶34} The second, third, and fourth Assignments of Error are overruled.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037 17
CONCLUSION
{¶35} The judgment of the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.
By: Delaney, J.,
Hoffman, P.J. and
Baldwin, J., concur.