‘Gamergate’ Defamation Suit Survives Influencer’s Dismissal Bid

Nov. 4, 2025, 9:53 PM UTC

A female video game journalist can proceed with her defamation lawsuit against a social media influencer and former Sony worker, but she must address several issues related to jurisdiction, a federal judge said Tuesday.

While Alyssa Mercante didn’t establish jurisdiction under New York Civil Practice Law for her claims against Jeff Tarzia, she “has pleaded a ‘sufficient start’ to establishing personal jurisdiction,” Chief Judge Margo K. Brodie of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York said in an order rejecting Tarzia’s motion to dismiss.

Mercante is entitled to limited jurisdictional discovery to determine Tarzia’s activity and ...

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