Rosenberg’s troubles began after he wrote a series of negative reviews for the Plain Dealer about the Cleveland Orchestra, aiming his less-than-complimentary essays at the orchestra’s musical director, Austrian conductor Fran Welser-Möst.

But while most reviews quickly become tomorrow’s fish-wrap, orchestra leaders complained to the newspaper about Rosenberg’s critiques, resulting in the Plain Dealer taking him off that particular beat in 2008 but keeping him on staff as an arts writer, according to the New York Times.

So Rosenberg sued, claiming age discrimination against the Plain Dealer and tortious interference and defamation against the orchestra’s governing body, the Musical Arts Association and its executives.

Today a jury delivered a verdict that didn’t bode well for Rosenberg, dismissing all accusations.

Rosenberg’s attorney said his client is considering an appeal. Lawyer for the defense, Suellen Oswald, thanked the jury for “recognizing all of our clients’ First Amendment rights and business rights.” Sometimes the pen isn’t mightier than the sword.

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