Story perspectives

Amelia Island Coffee Sues Over Defamatory Facebook Post

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Amelia Island Coffee filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Blake Buchanan over a Facebook post accusing staff of celebrating Charlie Kirk's murder.
Ray Carter and Paige Carter, owners of Amelia Island Coffee, deny the allegation and say it has harmed staff.
Buchanan, who overheard a barista praising a customer's shirt, maintains the post was protected speech.
The cafe seeks damages for reputational harm.
Buchanan argues the claims are frivolous.

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Story summary

Amelia Island Coffee filed a federal defamation lawsuit against Blake Buchanan over a Facebook post accusing staff of celebrating Charlie Kirk's murder.
Ray Carter and Paige Carter, owners of Amelia Island Coffee, deny the allegation and say it has harmed staff.
Buchanan, who overheard a barista praising a customer's shirt, maintains the post was protected speech.
The cafe seeks damages for reputational harm.
Buchanan argues the claims are frivolous.