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Giannetta v. Johnson

Court Lacks Jurisdiction Over Pageant Executive; Former Contestant's Libel Suit Dismissed

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OPINION & ORDER Pro se plaintiff Alice Lee Giannetta (“Giannetta”) brings claims against defendant Tana Johnson (“Johnson”) for libel per se and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage. Giannetta, a former Mrs. World Pageant contestant and title-holder, alleges that Johnson, a Vice President of Mrs. World, Inc. (“MWI”), sent a defamatory press release to a number of MWI employees and Giannetta’s business associates. The press release accused Giannetta of, among other wrongdoings, misappropriating MWI funds. Pending now is Johnson’s motion to dismiss the complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(2). For the following reasons, the Court grants the motion to dismiss without prejudice. I. Background A. Factual Background1 1. The Parties Giannetta is a New York City-based attorney licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. Compl. 1. She won several of MWI’s beauty pageants, namely Mrs. New York, Mrs. Hong Kong, and Mrs. World. Id.

2, 4. Giannetta is the first woman of Chinese descent to be named Mrs. World; she later engaged in extensive volunteer work and advocacy for MWI. Id. Johnson is a part-time independent contractor for MWI and holds the title of “Vice President” of MWI. Johnson Decl. 4. Johnson also allegedly has some unspecified relationship with MWI affiliates: Mrs. America Inc. (“MAI”), Miss for America Inc., and Mrs. America Presents. Giannetta Decl. 2. Johnson represents, without refutation, that, notwithstanding her Vice President title, she is not now, nor has she ever been, an officer, owner, director, employee, or manager of MWI. Johnson Decl.

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