
John Gallman
John Gallman – Former SC Senate Candidate Appeals $76K Sanctions in Frivolous Defamation Case
CONWAY, S.C. — Be careful when you bring a frivolous lawsuit against someone. John Gallman, a former state Senate candidate is appealing sanctions imposed after a judge ruled his defamation lawsuit against a Myrtle Beach-area newspaper was “frivolous” and ordered him to pay the defendant’s legal fees, according to court filings.
John Gallman, a financial advisor and 2020 Republican candidate for the South Carolina Senate, and his attorney, Tucker Player, recently appealed a December ruling requiring them to pay over $76,000 in legal fees to Waccamaw Publishers. The company owns the Myrtle Beach Herald, which Gallman unsuccessfully sued in 2021.

Circuit Judge J. Cordell Maddox Jr. issued the Dec. 16 decision, stating that Gallman was aware months before filing the lawsuit that the allegations reported in the Herald’s article could be found in his unsealed family court records.
“We are obviously disappointed with the ruling,” Player said on Dec. 30. “We filed a motion to reconsider and will appeal the decision if that motion is not granted.”
Defamation Allegations and Court Ruling
John Gallman accused Waccamaw Publishers and then-reporter Christian Boschult of defaming him during coverage of his 2020 campaign. The Herald’s profile was published ahead of the GOP primary runoff between Gallman and incumbent Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach.
According to court filings, the Herald based its reporting on public records, including court documents, police reports, and third-party affidavits. These records contained allegations that John Gallman had physically abused his former wife, including dragging her by her hair and breaking her finger. Gallman denied the allegations and was never charged with a crime.
The court ruled against John Gallman, determining he failed to meet the legal threshold for libel and defamation claims. Judge Maddox wrote in his decision that Gallman knew the reported allegations were consistent with his unsealed family court records and that public records are privileged against libel claims under South Carolina law.
Arguments from Both Sides
John Gallman’s Dec. 26 motion to reconsider argued the court failed to address how his family court records were obtained, claiming they were provided by his ex-wife during a custody dispute. He emphasized that the family court ultimately found “no credible evidence” of abuse and that he was granted joint custody of his children.
“These defendants published an article based on the allegations of [Gallman’s] ex-wife … that intentionally made him appear to the public as a spouse and child abuser,” Gallman’s motion stated.
Jay Bender, an attorney for Waccamaw Publishers and a longtime media law practitioner, defended the publication. He noted the article relied on public records and highlighted its importance in informing voters.
“Gallman was running in a Republican primary as a ‘family values’ candidate, and his family court record undermined his positioning significantly,” Bender said. “The profile did an excellent job of describing who the guy was according to public records, not who he said he was as a candidate. That’s crucial in a democracy.”
Next Steps
Gallman and Player’s appeal will now move forward unless their motion to reconsider is granted. Meanwhile, the legal fees awarded to Waccamaw Publishers remain pending.
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