All Claims Against Litson Client Dismissed in Miss Pennsylvania Lawsuit

U.S. District Judge Julia K. Munley of the Middle District of Pennsylvania dismissed with prejudice every claim brought by reigning Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico against fellow pageant contestant and Litson client Robyn Kass-Gerji, granting a motion to dismiss filed by Litson PLLC. The court’s 33-page memorandum opinion opened with Vespico’s own words to Kass-Gerji:

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 "I swear, if you don’t drop out of Miss Pennsylvania, I will come to your home and set it on fire. I don’t even care if you or your mom are inside. I actually hope you are. You both deserve to die. I am going to kill you, Robyn. I don’t understand why you don’t get that. I will burn you. You will die."

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Those threats were the subject of a two-day evidentiary hearing before the D.C. Superior Court in 2024, where both parties testified under oath and were subject to cross-examination. The judge found that Vespico sent the threatening messages, that Kass-Gerji did not fabricate evidence, and that Vespico was not credible. An anti-stalking order was entered against Vespico. She went on to win the Miss Pennsylvania title and competed for the title of Miss America 2026.

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In March 2025, Vespico filed a federal lawsuit against Kass-Gerji alleging defamation, false light, and abuse of process. Litson filed a motion to dismiss on Kass-Gerji’s behalf. On March 16, 2026, Judge Munley granted the motion, holding that the D.C. court’s findings were conclusive and could not be relitigated. Truth is an absolute defense under Pennsylvania law, and a court had already determined that the conduct Kass-Gerji described to the media occurred.

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The court preserved Kass-Gerji’s right to seek attorney’s fees and potential punitive damages under Pennsylvania’s Anti-SLAPP Act.

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“We are grateful for the court’s thoughtful opinion,” said Litson partners Edward Canter and Alex Little. “Ms. Kass-Gerji was subjected to serious threats and then to litigation designed to silence her. The dismissal with prejudice means that she can hopefully put this behind her.”

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Kass-Gerji was represented by Litson PLLC attorneys Edward “Ted” Canter and Sloan Nickel, as well as Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP attorney Richard L. Armezzani.

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You can read the full Memorandum Opinion below.

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