Judge Denies Preliminary Injunction in Counselor Defamation Dispute

In a case stemming from a former therapist-client relationship that turned romantic and later dissolved, James Patterson filed a motion on July 16, 2026, to enjoin his estranged wife, Cindy Patterson, from publishing alleged defamation. He asked the court to remove three specific X posts and to bar any future statements about his character and professional conduct. Chief Judge Brian Morris, however, concluded that Patterson has not yet met the burden of showing the statements are false or that he is likely to succeed at trial.

The judge emphasized that an order restricting speech would amount to an unconstitutional prior restraint and would be overly burdensome for the court to enforce. While the injunction was denied, the litigation remains open for further adjudication of the defamation claims. Michael Doggett of Doggett Law Offices, PLLC represents the defendant.