More money, more problems
Waterpark-building dentist Richard Malouf slaps Candy Evans and WFAA with alawsuit
Richard and Leanne Malouf have filed suit to keep journalists — and their ownneighbors — off their property.Candysdirt.com
The Maloufs are in the process of building a waterpark on their Strait Laneproperty.Candy's Dirt
UPDATE: On October 19, a judge granted the Maloufs a temporary, two-week restraining order against Candy Evans and WFAA. The next hearing is scheduled for November 1.
What we have here is a case of rich people problems. Richard and Leanne Malouf just want to build a personal waterpark in peace at their Strait Lane home. But pesky journalists and neighbors keep getting in the way, asking questions about water and power uses and lines of city code.
Well, the Maloufs aren't going to take it anymore. They've filed suit against CultureMap contributor Candy Evans, Channel 8 WFAA and Laura Wilson, who happens to live next door to the would-be waterpark. The Maloufs allege all three parties have conspired to trespass on their property; invade their privacy; and defame, libel and slander the couple.
There is even a subhead in the lawsuit titled "CANDY'S OBSESSION." Those caps are definitely not mine.
Richard Malouf is no stranger to legal drama. He's been charged with Medicaid fraud for his work at All Smiles Dental, and he's facing lawsuits from the Texas Attorney General and private attorneys under the False Claims Act.
In this case, Evans is bearing the brunt of the blame for her work on CandysDirt.com and with WFAA. The Maloufs accuse Evans of working closely with Wilson to gain access to their home. Wilson, a renowned photographer, lives on Strait Lane with her husband, Bob. They are the parents of Hollywood heartthrobs Andrew, Luke and Owen Wilson.
In the filing, the Maloufs allege that Evans "prides herself on intruding into the private affairs of others and publishing that information." There is even a subhead in the lawsuit titled "CANDY'S OBSESSION." Those caps are definitely not mine.
I have to hand it to the Maloufs' attorney for the quick pace of the filing's diction. I've read through my fair share of legal documents, and precious few have included phrasing like, "Candy brazenly sauntered up to the tent where the Maloufs' daughter was located and commenced an impromptu interview."
Here's another good one: "Candy took the audacious steps of crawling onto the roof of the Wilsons' home." Extra style points for the play on words.
The case is pending in county court. The Maloufs are asking for a restraining order against Evans, WFAA and Wilson, plus nominal damages and court fees.
