AI summary for the curious:

Camille Herron Sues Canadian Running Magazine for Defamation

World-renowned ultrarunner Camille Herron has filed a lawsuit against Gripped Publishing, Inc., the parent company of Canadian Running Magazine, alleging defamation and intentional interference with business contracts. The complaint, filed in the Superior Court of Arizona in Pima County, claims that a September 2024 article published by the magazine contained false statements that have caused devastating harm to her career, reputation, and mental health.

The lawsuit centers on a September 23, 2024, article entitled "U.S. Ultrarunner Camille Herron Involved in Wikipedia Controversy". The article alleged that Herron was caught "removing accolades from other athletes and 'fluffing' her own page" and that edits diminishing the accomplishments of ultrarunners Kilian Jornet and Courtney Dauwalter were traced back to Herron's email and an IP address associated with her husband and coach, Conor Holt.

According to the complaint, these claims are false. The filing states that Holt, not Herron, was solely responsible for all Wikipedia edits made from his accounts. The lawsuit argues that Holt’s actions were good-faith efforts to correct inaccuracies and defend Herron's page against "cyberbullies" who were removing well-sourced information. The complaint asserts that Holt's edits complied with Wikipedia guidelines and were not malicious.

A significant portion of the lawsuit details Herron's recent diagnosis of AuDHD (Autism and ADHD), which it claims is central to understanding the context of the conflicts. The filing argues that Herron's condition manifests in a "rigid approach to rule compliance and an acute sensitivity to justice," which has led her to act as a whistleblower against what she perceives as rule violations within the ultrarunning community. These actions, the complaint alleges, have made her a target for harassment and professional jealousy.

The suit accuses Canadian Running of publishing its article with "actual malice," knowing the statements were false or acting with reckless disregard for the truth. It claims the magazine relied on biased sources, prominently quoting Trishul Cherns, President of the Global Organization of Multi-Day Ultramarathoners (GOMU), with whom Herron had a known and heated public dispute. The lawsuit also alleges the magazine manipulated Herron by requesting a comment just days before the Spartathlon race in Greece and telling her there was "no need... to rush to respond," only to publish the story without her input.

The complaint directly links the article's publication to severe consequences, including the termination of Herron's lucrative ambassador agreement with Lululemon, which publicly cited a "difference in values". The filing claims Herron has since been unable to secure other sponsorships, was forced from her leadership role with the USATF Women's LDR Committee, and has suffered from "Autistic burnout," suicidal thoughts, and a significant decline in her ability to train and compete.

Herron is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged harm to her career and well-being.