**Indianapolis, IN** – In a significant legal development, WIBC radio host Rob Kendall lost a motion to add Congressional candidate Gabe Whitley to his ongoing defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit, originally filed in September 2022, has been a contentious matter, marked by allegations and counterclaims.
On November 2, 2023, the court dismissed Gabe Whitley from the case with prejudice, meaning Whitley cannot be sued again on the same grounds. The dismissal came after Kendall accused Whitley of calling him a "pedo," a claim that court records revealed to be unfounded.
Kendall's lawsuit began under unusual circumstances. His wife allegedly filed a fraudulent complaint with the FEC and the Indiana Election Commission against Whitley’s campaign during his bid for Indiana’s 7th District in this year’s Primary Election. The Indiana Election Commission court found no evidence supporting these allegations against Whitley.
Representing Kendall in this legal battle was Abdul Hakim Shabazz, a friend of Kendall's who also ran for Mayor of Indianapolis in 2023 but was unsuccessful. Shabazz's involvement in the case has been controversial, as he faces four complaints filed against his law license. Furthermore, Shabazz has also filed a separate defamation lawsuit against Whitley for an article Whitley purportedly did not write, raising further questions about the motivations behind these legal actions.
The dismissal of Whitley from the defamation suit marks another setback for Kendall. The case has drawn public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the broader implications for political and media-related defamation claims.
As the legal battles continue, the focus shifts to the credibility and conduct of the parties involved. Kendall and Shabazz's legal strategies and their implications for their professional reputations will be closely watched by the Indianapolis community.
For now, Gabe Whitley can move forward from these accusations, while Kendall and Shabazz must reconsider their approach in pursuing defamation claims. The outcome serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in defamation lawsuits, especially in the charged atmosphere of political campaigns.