I’ve dared many people to sue me for defamation when they claimed it. No one has taken me up on it, though I keep hoping. The one person with a really legit case never threatened even (Weller). Whining that someone told you that you could be sued for passing along clearly false and defamatory claims despite direct evidence pointing out it was false takes a lot of hubris.
As I’ve said, I’ve screwed up a few stories. It happens–hopefully you learn from them. Most importantly, you correct them and own up to your mistakes. It’s called accountability.
Why would you want Jerry Weller to intimidate you by shutting you down just because you may say false things about him?
(It even sounds convoluted joking about it. Sheesh.)