Tommy L. Evans, Sr., appeals from the Superior Court of Hancock County’s order granting summary judgment in favor of The Sandersville Georgian, Inc.,1 “the Georgian” on his claims of libel,2 invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and “intentional interference with prospective employment relations.” Finding no error, we affirm. “On appeal from the grant of summary judgment, this Court conducts a de novo review of the evidence to determine whether there is a genuine issue of material fact. . . .”3 “In moving for summary judgment, a defendant who will not bear the burden of proof at trial need not affirmatively disprove the nonmoving party’s case, but may point out . . . that there is an absence of evidence to support any essential element of the nonmoving party’s case.”4 Rather than resting on its pleadings, the nonmoving party “must point to specific evidence giving rise to a triable issue.”5
Viewed in this light, the record reveals that the April 20, 2006 edition of The Sparta Ishmaelite “the Ishmaelite”, which is published by the Georgian, contained a letter to the editor, which is the subject of this case. The letter was written by R.Haywood, who formerly worked for the Ishmaelite as an editor and reporter.6 The letter was entitled, “Council Must Continue to Say ‘No,’ ” and stated that Haywood was concerned the Sparta City Council would rehire Evans as an employee of the Sparta police department. Haywood explained that he was concerned because Evans had “ pocketed insurance company settlement checks” after he sued the City on two occasions while employed as a police officer. Haywood maintained that Evans’s lawsuits were settled “quickly and quietly” after his brother William was elected mayor. Haywood characterized the lawsuits as “lame” and “frivolous,” and he opined that they were settled because the City’s insurance company would “settle lawsuits ‘out-of-court’ rather than shell-out ‘big money’ in attorney fees and court costs.” He also explained that Evans’s brother Ronnie, who was serving as police chief at the time, was a co-plaintiff in one of the lawsuits, and he stated that Ronnie and William had attempted to have Evans rehired without the Council’s approval.
