Zia Chishti's defamation lawsuit against former employee Tatiana Spottiswoode suffered a major setback in the Washington DC District Court, dismissing all his claims.

Chishti sought a staggering $500 million in damages, but the court ruled against him, marking a significant loss in his ongoing legal battles.

The lawsuit arose after Spottiswoode was awarded over $5 million in arbitration for claims of sexual harassment, assault, and battery against Chishti.

Senior Judge Amy Berman Jackson characterized Chishti's defamation complaint as a "not-so-thinly veiled attempt" to overturn the arbitration ruling favoring Spottiswoode.

The judge emphasized that Spottiswoode's statements made during her Congressional testimony are protected by absolute legislative immunity, shielding her from Chishti’s claims.

Spottiswoode’s Congressional testimony spurred a landmark bipartisan bill abolishing forced arbitration in sexual harassment employment cases, signed into law by President Biden.

Chishti's legal troubles escalated after Spottiswoode's testimony led to legislative changes, highlighting the impact of the case on broader employment law.

Following the court’s dismissal of his defamation claims, Chishti attempted to overturn the arbitration ruling with additional legal actions against Spottiswoode.

The court criticized Chishti's legal team for their "circuitous and inappropriate approach," adding to the growing list of challenges he faces in court.

This dismissal adds to Chishti's history of defamation lawsuits in both the US and Pakistan, further complicating his legal standing and reputation in the industry.