Climate scientist ordered to pay National Review over $500,000 in legal fees

Michael Mann, a climate scientist, has been ordered to pay National Review over $500,000 for legal fees stemming from a defamation lawsuit he filed in 2012. The lawsuit followed criticism from commentator Mark Steyn on National Review’s website. A judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that Mann must pay nearly $531,000 within 30 days. National Review's editors noted that Mann's actions were surprising in a country that values free expression and that he failed to engage in debate. Mann's original lawsuit was part of a long legal battle, which saw National Review initially seeking $1 million in damages. While Mann's suit against the outlet was dismissed, Steyn was found liable for defamation and must pay Mann $1 million.