Good morning. A year-long conflict and defamation lawsuit between two former executive directors of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival resulted in a $100 judgment on Tuesday following a jury trial in Cumberland County Superior Court.
The jury concluded that Malia Allen, who ran the festival from 2018 to 2020, defamed former festival director Carrie King in a series of videos published on TikTok and other social media platforms in March 2024. King was Allen’s predecessor, serving as executive director of the festival from 2008 to 2018.
King sought a nominal judgment, her lawyer Jonathan Strange told CityView on Wednesday, because the videos were online for only a few weeks and any damage they may have caused to her reputation was minimal. However, King wants to recover $10,000 from Allen for attorney fees.
Welcome to CityView Today. In today’s newsletter: Officials with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission say customers could face rate increases if the utility doesn’t receive more than $80 million it’s expecting in federal money. The funds are frozen under President Donald Trump’s directives. The Cumberland-Fayetteville Recovery Resource Center will host a community event from noon to 4 p.m. Friday to showcase its services. The event will feature food, music, prizes and more.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah Nagem
Filling in for Maydha Devarajan
Jury awards $100 judgment in Dogwood Festival defamation lawsuit
Malia Allen must pay $100 to Carrie King for comments made on TikTok. She could owe $10,000 more in lawyer fees.
More from CityView
More than $80 million in PWC infrastructure funds frozen under Trump administration
The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is unable to access federal funding the utility was previously awarded for electric, water and wastewater projects.
Celebrate recovery journeys at the Recovery Resource Center’s community fair
The Recovery Resource Center is hosting a community resource fair on Friday.
Events
TECH TIME AT CLIFFDALE LIBRARY
- Where: Cliffdale Public Library, 6882 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville
- When: 9-10:30 a.m. today
- What: Whether you need help setting up an email account, learning how to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or anything in between, we’re here to help you with your computer, tablet or smartphone questions. No appointment necessary.
YOGA AT THE GARDEN
- Where: Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville
- When: 6-7 p.m. today
- What: Practice this calm eastern exercise taught by instructor, Ashley Clayton. All levels welcome!
CHAMPAGNE PAIRING
- Where: The Sip Room, 106 Hay St., Fayetteville
- When: 8 p.m. today
- What: An elegant event to enjoy delicious champagne pairings with exquisite appetizers. Don’t miss it!
Obituaries
James Anthony “Tony” McBryde
James Anthony “Tony” McBryde, 53, passed away on Sunday, March 16.
Clarence Wendell Leonard
Clarence Wendell Leonard, 73, of Fayetteville, passed away on Saturday, March 15.
Carolyn Gibson Boose
Carolyn Gibson Boose passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15.
Until tomorrow!
🏃🏽♀️ If you’re looking to stretch your legs this weekend, Fort Bragg will host the 2025 All American Races on Saturday. The event features a half marathon and a 5K. Both races will start and end at the Main Post Parade Field. The half marathon begins at 7 a.m., and the 5K starts at 7:20 a.m. Registration is open until 7 p.m. Friday.
~ Evey Weisblat
