ABC Broadcasting struck out in its last chance to derail Beef Products Inc.’s defamation lawsuit

ABC Broadcasting struck out in its last chance to derail Beef Products Inc.’s defamation lawsuit over ABC’s reporting on its product, lean finely textured beef. The South Dakota Supreme Court denied the network’s petition to appeal a lower court ruling that allowed BPI to take its case to a jury, according to Reuters.This, after a Circuit Court judge in February dismissed anchorwoman Diane Sawyer from the case but ruled the trial would continue against the network and reporter Jim Avila.In a statement emailed to Meatingplace, BPI said, “"The trial court's decision denying ABC's motion for summary judgment was correct, and we are glad the South Dakota Supreme Court rejected ABC's request for an appeal of that decision.  We look forward to presenting our case to the jury and holding the Defendants accountable for their actions."Representatives of ABC were not immediately available for comment.The case is scheduled to go to trial on June 5.