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Meta Seeks to Limit Mark Zuckerberg's In-Person Testimony in Social Media Lawsuits
Meta has requested that its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, testify in person only once in upcoming federal multidistrict litigation over social media addiction claims. Plaintiffs argue this would unfairly prejudice their cases. A federal judge is expected to rule soon on the matter.
May 4, 6:00 AM·2m read1 source
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Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has filed a motion in federal court to restrict in-person testimony by its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, to a single appearance in a series of lawsuits alleging social media addiction. The lawsuits, consolidated in multidistrict litigation in California, involve more than 2,400 claims from school districts, state attorneys general, and individuals.
These cases aim to streamline into bellwether trials, with the first from Breathitt County School District in Kentucky set for June 12. In the filing, Meta proposed that Zuckerberg testify live once, with subsequent trials using a videotaped recording of that testimony.
Plaintiffs opposed the request, stating it would provide unique protection to Zuckerberg and prejudice thousands of plaintiffs. Previn Warren, co-lead counsel for plaintiffs and an attorney at Motley Rice, stated that Zuckerberg's status should not exempt him from appearing in each trial.
State attorneys general agreed to videotaped testimony for their cases, but Warren continues to advocate for live testimony in school district cases.
“Mr. Zuckerberg’s power, wealth, and status should not privilege his time over that of any other witness," Warren said. A Meta spokesperson stated that repeated testimony would be duplicative, given prior hours of testimony provided.”
Meta recently faced setbacks in related state court cases.
On March 24, a New Mexico jury awarded $375 million against Meta for failing to protect children from sexual exploitation. The next day, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable for $6 million in damages to plaintiff KGM, who claimed the platforms contributed to her anxiety and depression.
