"John Oliver, HBO Beat Coal Executive's Defamation Lawsuit"

"The 'Last Week Tonight' host was within his First Amendment rights to criticize a coal baron and his company, the court found."

"Days after returning from HBO's Last Week Tonight winter hiatus, host John Oliver has emerged victorious from a legal fight with the subject of one of his segments.

Robert Murray, Murray Energy and other associated coal companies sued both the cable network and Oliver in June, arguing the host created a "villainous" portrait of the coal baron.

The original segment criticized Murray Energy's practices regarding the safety and health of its employees, described conservative coal baron Murray as a "geriatric Dr. Evil" and featured a man dressed as a squirrel who proclaimed "Eat shit, Bob." The lawsuit prompted a second segment in which Oliver told viewers about the litigation."

Ashley Cullins reports for the Hollywood Reporter February 24, 2018.

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June 18, 2017 Episode (Last Week Tonight)