City of Clarksdale to sue newspaper for libel after unanimous vote at city hall

CLARKSDALE, Miss. (WMC) - City leaders in Clarksdale, Mississippi, say they are going to file a lawsuit against a local newspaper for libel.

The city’s four commissioners unanimously voted to sue the Clarksdale Press Register during a special-called meeting at Clarksdale City Hall on Thursday.

Mayor Chuck Espy says the city’s legal counsel will issue a public release that explains the allegations at a later time.

Court records show the suit has not yet been filed.

Mayor Espy says even though he did not vote on the motion, he is on the same page as his commissioners.

“I would like for the record to reflect, even though I did not vote, I am in full support, and I am fully vested in the decisions that the four commissioners unanimously said,” the mayor stated.

The Clarksdale Press Register has been in operation since 1865 and publishes weekly newspapers serving Clarksdale and Coahoma County.

Action News 5 will provide an update when more information becomes available.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.