A Lookout Mountain Superior Court Judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Trion resident Paula V. Arden against Trion City School Superintendent Phil Williams.

Judge Brian House ruled that Williams’ statements during court were protected under absolute privilege, leading to Arden’s complaint being dismissed due to lack of a valid claim. Despite this, Williams continues with his counterclaim against Arden for $15,000 in damages, accusing her of spreading false statements about him on social media.

Williams claims Arden, who refers to herself as the “Lesbian Avenger,” has engaged in a retaliatory campaign against him, which he alleges is linked to grievances from nearly 25 years ago. His counterclaim cites several Facebook posts where Arden accused him of misappropriating taxpayer funds and portrayed him as a criminal. Arden has also voiced criticisms of local government and declared intentions to run for town mayor, but missed the qualification deadline.

Williams has sought a temporary restraining order to prevent Arden from deleting related posts, and the judge has required her to stop such actions and not to harass him or his family.