A Marion County Judge has ruled in favor of Indy Politics editor and publisher Abdul-Hakim Shabazz in his defamation suit against indicted former 7th District Congressional candidate Gabriel Whitley.
Judge John Hanley Thursday ruled in Shabazz’s favor; granting his motion for summary judgment.
Earlier this year, Whitley made and published several defamatory statements online regarding Shabazz, saying he was a child rapist and stole money when he was President of the Marion County Fair Board.
Shabazz requested the court award him $100,000 in damages, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
This is the latest in a series of legal problems Whitley is facing. He was already charged with a Class 6 Felony for posting a photo of Shabazz’s home online and encouraging violence against him and his family. In addition, Whitley is also under investigation by the federal government for filing fraudulent campaign finance reports from his 2024 run for Congress.
“This is a great day for justice,” Shabazz said. “I have always been a big believer in the first amendment, but calling someone a child rapist and saying they stole money without any proof crosses a line. We are very pleased with the Court’s ruling and hope this will send a message to anyone considering engaging in this behavior.”
A damages hearing has yet to be set.
