Judgment in favor of a corporate defendant and its employee

RYAN BOLICK (Charlotte) obtained summary judgment in favor of a corporate defendant and its employee. Defendants complained to plaintiff and her employer regarding her poor work performance over a period of approximately six months. As a result of these complaints, plaintiff was removed from her position. Plaintiff sued defendants for defamation per se, tortious interference with contract, punitive damages and unfair and deceptive trade practice. In dismissing the action, the judge found that the complaints were not made with malice and that defendants were privileged to make such statements as they were made to protect a business interest.