Is Robbie Leonard a CHEESEBALL

📬 Letter from an Anonymous Reader

Subject: Defamation Alert—You Called Robbie Leonard a Cheeseball Lawyer

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep concern over your recent caption referring to Robbie Leonard as a “cheeseball lawyer.” This kind of language is defamatory, unprofessional, and potentially actionable. Mr. Leonard is a respected member of the legal community and a former candidate for public office. Your reckless use of playground insults could expose you to a lawsuit for character assassination. I urge you to retract the statement immediately before legal action is pursued.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen (who definitely isn’t Robbie Leonard’s burner account)

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🖋️ Editor’s Response

Subject: On Cheeseballs, Courtrooms, and the Right to Satire

Dear Concerned Citizen,

Thank you for your note. I appreciate your concern for Mr. Leonard’s reputation, though I must respectfully decline your invitation to panic.

Let’s be clear: calling someone a cheeseball lawyer is not defamation. It’s opinion. Colorful, yes. Rhetorical, certainly. But protected speech under the First Amendment and well within the bounds of political commentary. Courts have consistently held that satire, hyperbole, and subjective characterizations—especially in matters of public concern—are not actionable.

But since you brought it up, let’s examine the record:

- Robbie Leonard ran for State Senate and lost a safe Democratic District to Chris West.

- He ran for Baltimore County State’s Attorney and lost to Scott Shellenberger.

- He’s better known for virtue signaling on social media than for any landmark legal victories.

- And when a young woman came forward with a serious allegation, Robbie and his allies allegedly tried to bury it behind an NDA to protect the boys’ club.

If Mr. Leonard wishes to sue me, I’ll gladly meet him in court. I’ll bring the receipts, the transcripts, and the public record. And I’ll prove—under oath and with exhibits—that “cheeseball lawyer” is not only fair comment, it’s arguably generous.

So no, I won’t be retracting the caption. But I do thank you for the opportunity to clarify what editorial freedom looks like in a democracy.

Warm regards,

Barry O’Connell

Editor, Maryland Wire