COLUMBUS (AP) — A fired Ohio State marching band director says he is weighing his legal options after a state court dismissed his defamation lawsuit against the university.
The Ohio Court of Claims ruled against Jonathan Waters on Tuesday.
His lawsuit alleged that statements the university made about Waters after an internal investigation uncovered a “sexualized culture” within the band were slanderous, defamatory and an invasion of privacy.
In a statement Wednesday, Waters said he is saddened he won’t get to present his full case in court.
Waters says he was “the catalyst for change” within the band and remains “steadfastly loyal to the students and alumni of the band who were so negatively impacted by this situation.”
Ohio State said it maintained all along the case was without merit.
A judge says Waters became a limited-purpose public figure once an internal investigation uncovered a “sexualized culture” within the celebrated band. He noted Ohio State was compelled to investigate after a parent complained of inappropriate behavior.
The court says that Ohio State had the right to explain its findings and that officials based their statements and releases on truth.
Waters contended band rituals and practices pre-existed his tenure and his reputation was unjustifiably harmed by misguided attacks.