The Miami general counsel for the Political Cortadito fired back at opposing counsel on Friday, declining to issue a retraction over an article in which a journalist working for the publication claimed to have uncovered dirt on an alleged affair between Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago and a staffer, as well as an alleged backdoor real estate arrangement between the two.
“The reporter believes the story is accurate in all respects and under New York Times v. Sullivan, truth is a complete defense to a defamation action,” David Winker, who represents the Political Cortadito and its reporter Elaine M. De Valle, said in an email, referring to the precedent-setting 1964 landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.