Mayor LaToya Cantrell is appealing a judge's decision to dismiss the temporary restraining order she filed against Anne Breaud. Cantrell accused Breaud of stalking after Breaud took photos of the mayor dining with officer Jeffrey Vappie and released them to a watchdog group. In her filing, Cantrell included sensitive information about Breaud, which led to a privacy lawsuit. During the appellate hearing, Cantrell's attorney argued the photos were not protected speech, as they were taken from Breaud’s property and showed the mayor on a private balcony, stating, "They’re all the truth and that’s all that matters," according to FOX 8 Live. Breaud's attorney argued the photos were protected speech with public interest, showing the mayor’s bodyguard dining with her instead of providing protection.
Breaud's legal team argued that the photos in question were a matter of public concern, citing the ongoing investigation into former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell's bodyguard, Jeffrey Vappie. Vappie, who was on duty when the photos were taken, has since been charged with federal fraud. He retired following the indictment and has pleaded not guilty. Cantrell has not been charged in connection with the case, as per WWLTV.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been ordered to pay over $15,000 in legal fees to Breaud after a restraining order against him was dismissed. Cantrell is asking a judge to reverse both the dismissal of the restraining order and the decision to make her pay Breaud's expenses. There is also a claim in her appeal that Breaud has collected 800 hours of video footage of the mayor, though this has not been confirmed. The case is still pending, and further details are expected to emerge, as stated by WWLTV.
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