California AG Bonta Fails to Shield Himself From Exxon Lawsuit

Exxon Mobil Corp. advanced defamation claims against California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who failed to convince a federal judge in Texas that he should be shielded from liability for statements made in his official capacity as the state’s top attorney.

The defamation lawsuit, filed last year in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, concerns statements made by Bonta and others regarding Exxon’s ability to recycle plastics. Bonta has accused the company of misleading the public about the sustainability of plastics that end up polluting the environment.

While Bonta brought a deceptive marketing lawsuit on behalf ...