The case, Bradlee Dean & You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International v. NBC Universal et al. (Case No. 0006055-11) arises from an August 9, 2010, segment of Maddow's prime-time program that cited the following quote from Dean on his radio show:
"Muslims are calling for the execution of homosexuals in America. They themselves are upholding the laws that are even in the Bible, the Judeo-Christian God, but they seem to be more moral than the American Christians do. Because these people are livid about enforcing their laws. They know homosexuality is an abomination. If America won't enforce the laws, God will raise up a foreign enemy to do just that."
According to an article in The Huffington Post, Dean alleges Maddow deliberately ignored Dean's disclaimer that he was not calling for the killing of gays. In fact, after broadcasting Dean's statement, Maddow read Dean's disclaimer: "[W]e have never and will never call for the execution of homosexuals."
The Rev. Bradlee Dean (Smith) is drummer for the Junkyard Prophet Christian metal rock band and pastor of the You Can Run But You Cannot Hide Christian youth ministry that allegedly includes among its beliefs that gay people were responsible for the Holocaust. He claims the defendants, including Maddow, MSNBC and The Minnesota Independent, took his statements out of context.
Although the 10-page Complaint acknowledges Maddow read the disclaimer on air, it alleges she "did so in a manner that gave the impression to the audience that Dean's disclaimer was disingenuous, insincere, false and meaningless." The ever-humble "TUOL" legal team wouldn't be surprised if the court similarly describes the Complaint at some point down the line.