In March 2025, a New York resident filed suit in a Connecticut state trial court against a Christian YouTube channel and the preacher who appears on it claiming that the preacher's prediction of imminent coming of the rapture caused plaintiff severe emotional distress and mental anguish. The complaint (full text) in Diver v. Cote, (CT Super. Ct., filed 3/20/2025), alleged claims for infliction of emotional distress, fraud and for violation of the state's Unfair Trade Practices Act. Defendants sought dismissal of the lawsuit under Connecticut's anti-SLAPP law which allows quick dismissal of unmeritorious suits that, among other things, challenge defendant's exercise of his free speech rights when defendant's speech relates to a "public figure". Now, in Diver v. Cote, (CT Super. Ct., Nov. 3, 2025), the court dismissed this suit and a related one under the anti-SLAPP law, saying in part:
... [Defendants] have shown ... that the complaints in both actions are based on the exercise of their right of free speech on matters of public concern, that is, issues related to health, community well-being and a public figure; namely Jesus Christ. §52-196a(a)(1). The defendants' speech was made in a public forum; namely You Tube websites open to the public as required by §52-196a(a)(2).
