Cablevision filed a defamation lawsuit against Communications Workers...

is knowingly disseminating false and defamatory statements in an attempt to negatively impact Cablevision’s business and damage the reputation of the company and its employees,” Cablevision said Wednesday. “It is clear that the CWA will stop at nothing to advance its selfish interests and we are asking the Court to put an immediate halt to their unlawful and malicious activities.” CWA and the other defendants have “made a series of false and malicious statements” concerning Cablevision’s termination of Thompson “in an effort to damage Cablevision’s reputation,” the release said. Thompson was fired for “years-long history of deliberate disregard for Company policies” but CWA says the firing was racially motivated, Cablevision said. “The CWA and other defendants have used social media, online petitions, leaflets and letters to public officials to knowingly spread this false information.” Cablevision is asking the court to enjoin CWA and the defendants from disseminating “false and damaging statements,” the release said. CWA Local 1109 didn’t respond to requests for comment.