Judge denies Ryan Walters’ motion to dismiss defamation lawsuit

A judge has ruled the defamation lawsuit filed against State Superintendent Ryan Walters will move forward.

The case was filed by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller after Walters made public comments in July calling Miller a “liar” and “clown”. Miller claimed Walters defamed him and painted his character in a bad light.

Miller’s attorneys said it’s not only the insult of being called a liar and clown but also Walters’' following comments claiming there were several financial issues at Bixby Public Schools. A claim Miller’s attorneys said Walters’ knew was false and was meant to discredit Miller.

Walters’ defense argued that under state law, Walters cannot be sued for comments he’s made while performing his duties as state superintendent.