A New York law firm hired by two Chinese to sue CNN for US$1.3 billion in compensation over controversial remarks made by its commentator Jack Cafferty has abruptly withdrawn the lawsuit.
The Hai Ming law firm faxed the media on Saturday saying the lawsuit filed by New York-based beautician Liang Shubing and Beijing-based teacher Li Lilan had been withdrawn, the Beijing News reported yesterday.
Cafferty's remarks were made on April 9 on CNN's The Situation Room, when he said the US imported Chinese-made 'junk with lead paint on them and the poisoned pet food' and added: 'They're basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they've been for the last 50 years.'
The US$1.3 billion compensation the litigants sought averaged out to US$1 per person on the mainland.
'Our law firm apologises to all those who have supported this case,' the fax read.
When pressed on his previous remarks that he would only withdraw the case after he received an apology which satisfied Chinese around the world, Mr Hai revealed he had been under pressure.