Elmer Fudd identity remains a secret
Posted: 10.02.2009 at 5:49 PM
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The identity of the infamous Elmer Fudd, who's being sued by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, remains a mystery.

Friday was supposed to be the deadline for Elmer Fudd to reveal his or her true identity, but this person now has a second anonymous identity. John Doe, A.K.A. Elmer Fudd, is appealing to the court to keep his or her name a secret.

In August, someone using the screen name Elmer Fudd logged on to the Sun News Web site, and asked why no news agency was covering a hot story. Elmer Fudd claimed Horry County Sheriff's deputies had raided the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, seizing computers.

The sheriff says no raid ever happened and no computers were taken.

The chamber fired back with a lawsuit that calls Elmer Fudd's postings untrue and defamatory. They want to find out Fudd's identity to pursue damages, so the chamber sent a subpoena to the Sun News.

The newspaper reportedly contacted Elmer Fudd and gave that person until October 2nd to reveal him or herself. If that didn't happen, the news organization said it would turn over its findings to the lawyers.

But late Thursday, a motion was filed in Horry County court by John Doe, or Elmer Fudd, asking the court to hold off on enforcing the subpoena, until he or she can hire an attorney.

The motion claims Elmer Fudd has a first amendment right to anonymous speech. The chamber's lawyer said Friday, she's working on a response to the motion.

Until she can file a response, it looks like Elmer Fudd will remain unknown.