AceShowbiz - The defamation lawsuit filed by Laura Loomer against comedian Bill Maher has been dismissed by a federal judge, marking a legal victory for the HBO host.

On April 23, U.S. District Judge James Moody ruled that Maher's remarks, made during a 2024 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, were intended as humor rather than factual statements. The case originated from a segment in which Maher speculated about former President Donald Trump's personal life, jokingly saying, "I think it might be Laura Loomer."

The judge emphasized that the context of the episode clearly indicated a comedic intent. According to the ruling, a reasonable viewer would perceive Maher's comment as a joke rather than a factual accusation against the plaintiff and President Trump.

Furthermore, Judge Moody found no evidence that Loomer suffered measurable harm as a result of the statement. Court documents showed that her income actually increased during the relevant period, and she continued to have access to political circles, including ongoing contact with Trump.

During prior testimony, Maher defended his joke, stating, "It's just...this is just comedy. This is...these are jokes."

Following the decision, Loomer publicly condemned the ruling as "outrageous" and announced intentions to seek an appeal. She argued that it was unacceptable for a judge to dismiss an accusation of a woman having a sexual relationship with a man as merely a joke.

Neither Maher nor HBO has issued a public statement regarding the dismissal of the lawsuit.