A federal judge has dismissed a 2019 lawsuit that former Massey Energy chief executive officer Don Blakenship filed against various national news networks, newspapers and political organizations. U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver issued the ruling in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Blankenship reacted on social media saying he was “shocked and disappointed.” Blankenship had claimed defamation and false light invasion of privacy claims against the organizations and sought at least $12 billion in damages.