Craig Elmer “Owl” Chapman didn’t like his profile in The Surfer’s Journal so he sued. Now a federal court in Honolulu has decided that The Surfer’s Journal profile written by Jeff Johnson was not libelous, according to a story in Pacific Business News.
After a six-day trial in U.S. District Court, the eight jurors ruled in favor of the magazine and found that neither the publisher, Steve Pezman, or the article’s author, Jeff Johnson, made false statements in the 13-page magazine spread on Chapman. . . “It’s a complete victory for the defendants and a strong affirmation of the media’s right to write about public figures,” said Jeffrey Portnoy, managing partner of Honolulu law firm Cades Schutte, which represented The Surfer’s Journal. “We’re tremendously excited. There aren’t too many jury verdicts, especially in Hawaii, and this one is one of the few.”
Looks like the truth is a savage taskmaster. Thanks to Steve Pezman for fighting to good fight for writers and publisher everywhere.
[Link: Pacific Business News]
Listen, I know this is a “victory” for journalists worldwide who follow celebrities and make a living from other people’s achievements, but the simple fact of the matter is that if it weren’t for pioneers like Owl, you reporters wouldn’t even have a job!! NOBODY’S PERFECT!!! And when you get Owl to shape you a board, sometimes there are a few “hang ups” to say the least. That’s part of the experience. But I will say this, he has made me some of the best riding, most beautiful boards I’ve ever surfed in my life. That doesn’t just happen overnight. Because of Owl and his boards, I am a better surfer, and a better man. I am proud to ride his boards and I’m proud to call him a friend. And I think everyone should look back on the many years he’s spent surfing and shaping on the North Shore, and be thankful that he’s still around and contributing to our sport. Owl Chapman is a Master Shaper and Surfer, and I think everyone should step back and recognize how much of a living legend he really is!!
Aloha
Hell, I dressed up as OWL for halloween a few years back and followed him around…..we even drove the exact same cars…a red Chevy sprint. He would trip out as I pulled up in my red Chevy Sprint, sporting my cut off Brewer shirt and aviator shades. I even had the Owl Chapman walk going. The guy is a legend!!!
Owl Chapman may be a “living legend” (who isn’t these days). But it appear he still has some growing up to do.
If “the shoe fits” get up and walk away like a man instead of taking it off and throwing it at the person who gave it to you.
Owl, like all legends hold a responsibility implicite in being a public figure. The responsibilities may no be wanted , however they exist. If a public figure has had some indescretions in the past and they are acknowledged,then the public is provided with the new , now, and next, well then that is the story. Unfortunate as it is the public will take the one thing that you do that may be exposed out of context and you will ( as a legend) be fried for it. There is a saying that I have heard as an admistrator of a hospital: ” you can do a thousand things perfect and one thing wrong, and all you are going to hear about is the thing you did wrong” I am fortunate to be a low profile person ( invisible) and get alot more latitude by not being under the microscope like the ” Legends and Notorious” If anyone sees Billy Hamilton please say hi for me , we once surfed for the Wind an Sea surf club as juniors in the 60 s Regards to you all Kent Layton
Owl is a cool guy that shapes the best guns and semi guns in the world. A surfer of average ability will ride the waves of his life on an owl chapman gun. Owl is a creative genius that should be respected. At last check he he is one of the friendliest faces in the Sunset Beach parking lot, still dominating the North Peak. The surfers journal is a disapointment for not talking to Owl and writing a story he would be proud of. I will never buy a Surfers Journal. .
Eddie Marc
Just picked up my new billy hamilton 12 foot gun. rino chaser, elephant gun pin rocket. It looks capable to ride any size paddle in wave. Thank You Billy Kent Layton
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