Rolling Stone faces University of Virginia dean in defamation trial over 'A Rape on Campus' story

Rolling Stone magazine is set to defend itself in court Monday in a defamation lawsuit filed by former University of Virginia dean Nicole Eramo regarding the controversial November 2014 article "A Rape on Campus", The New York Times reports. The article, which Rolling Stone later retracted in full, was widely criticized for inaccuracies caused by the magazine relying heavily on a single source, "Jackie," who described being raped and beaten by several men at a fraternity party.

Eramo is suing on the grounds that Rolling Stone attempted "to weave a narrative that depicted the University of Virginia as an institution that is indifferent to rape on campus, and more concerned with protecting its reputation than with assisting victims of sexual assault," with Eramo allegedly portrayed as the "chief villain" for warning Jackie to keep quiet about the assault and not report it to the police, USA Today reports.

Rolling Stone has maintained their descriptions of Eramo were "balanced" and "described the challenges of her role." Eramo is seeking almost $8 million in the lawsuit.

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