Prof. Jane Kirtley Quoted in New York Times About Freedom of Speech and Artist Jeff Koons

Professor Jane Kirtley was quoted in the New York Times regarding freedom of speech issues due to an essay reviewing the “Bouquet of Tulips” sculpture in Paris. The artist claims he was defamed by opinions expressed in the essay. Kirtley said the author’s opinions would not be considered defamatory. She cited the Supreme Court’s view “there is no such thing as a false idea” — that statements that cannot be proven true or false are opinions, and thereby protected by the First Amendment.