Defense rests in defamation case

COEUR d’ALENE — The defense rested Thursday in the defamation trial of blogger Summer Bushnell.

Colton Boyles, the attorney representing Bushnell, called just one witness to the stand: Eric Posey, the drag performer suing his client for defamation.

After Posey performed in drag at the June 2022 Pride in the Park Celebration, Bushnell accused Posey of exposing himself to the crowd, which included children. Bushnell published an edited video of Posey’s performance that blurred his pelvic area and urged community members to call the police.

Following an investigation by Coeur d’Alene police, city prosecutors declined to file charges and stated publicly that the unedited video showed no exposure.

Boyles questioned Posey about how he prepares for a drag performance and whether it’s possible for a “wardrobe malfunction” to occur.

Posey said his elaborate preparation routine — which involves taping his anatomy in place and donning five layers of clothing — makes accidental exposure impossible. When performing as his drag persona Mona Liza Million, he goes to great lengths to give the illusion of a female figure, he said.

“I have to take certain precautions,” he said. “I have not the anatomy of a physical woman.”

Boyles also asked Posey about getting fired from a previous job.

In June 2022, Posey worked as an overnight manager at Walmart in Hayden. After Bushnell’s allegations began to spread, Posey said he faced harassment from customers at work.

He described an incident in which a customer referenced media coverage of Bushnell’s allegations and called him an antigay slur and the N-word while directing him to make change for a $20 bill.

Posey said he wrote “N-word money” on the bill, writing the full slur, and handed it back to the customer. He said he “cracked” from the stress of being harassed and retaliated.

“I am so embarrassed about it, but I did,” Posey said.

He was later fired for his actions.

Closing arguments in the case are expected this morning.