‘Real Housewives’ star takes on anesthesiologists in shocking defamation suit
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“Let me be clear—my lawsuit is solely about the ASA’s malicious, false, targeted, and defamatory statements about me. I have always proudly, publicly, and consistently stated that I am a CRNA. I have never stated that I am an anesthesiologist or a medical doctor during my time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or otherwise.” — Annamarie Wiley, CRNA
Annemarie Wiley, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) known for her appearance on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), accusing the organization of spreading "shameful and blatant lies."
The lawsuit claims that the ASA falsely accused Wiley of misrepresenting herself as an anesthesiologist. Wiley, who holds a CRNA credential, insists that she has always been transparent about her qualifications.
Related: Medical TV shows that made doctors cringe“Let me be clear—my lawsuit is solely about the ASA’s malicious, false, targeted, and defamatory statements about me. I have always proudly, publicly, and consistently stated that I am a CRNA. I have never stated that I am an anesthesiologist or a medical doctor during my time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills or otherwise,” Wiley wrote in a statement on Instagram.
Wiley argues the ASA’s comments were intended to damage her professional credibility and reputation. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and a formal retraction of the alleged defamatory statements.
While Wiley’s critics have questioned whether her reality TV persona may have muddied perceptions of her professional role, the lawsuit highlights a growing friction between established medical organizations and high-profile personalities seeking to define their own credentials.
For instance, doctors now have to contend with reality TV stars and social media influencers who can reach millions of people with potentially misleading or inaccurate information.
As the case develops, it may set a precedent for how medical organizations handle public statements involving healthcare professionals who are also public figures.
Whether Wiley’s lawsuit will succeed remains to be seen, but her outspoken stance against the ASA has certainly put the organization under the spotlight.
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