A  South Dakota Judge has turned down a defense request to dismiss a $ 1.2 Billion defamation lawsuit against A-B-C. The plaintiffs are charging that the network’s reports allegedly defamed BPI’s lean finely textured beef by using the term “pink slime”. Dakota Dunes based BPI says that coverage led to the closing of three of their plants and roughly 700 layoffs.  BPI Attorney Erik Connolly says they’re pleased the Judge is allowing the case to proceed.

Connolly would not comment further on the case or the Judge’s decision.  Judge Cheryle Gering in her ruling dismissed some claims but allowed most to go forward. She ruled that A-B-C isn’t protected against liability by saying in its news reports that the product is beef, is safe and is nutritious. An ABC Senior Vice President says the ruling is on a preliminary motion to dismiss, not on the merits of the case.