Hi,
I write from a throwaway account because Plaintiff has been tracking my socials for over a year.
Last year, in September 2025, two police officers came to inform me that a lawsuit had begun in California earlier in the year. I am accused of defamation. I could have refused the folder; they assured me that it 'wasn’t worth anything', that it was 'a good BBQ starter'.
Plaintiff is prosecuting five people; two in the USA, one in Poland, another in the United Kingdom and myself in France; so far, only the American defendants were present at the hearings.
At the start of 2026, a bailiff deliver me a direct quote, informing me that Plaintiff is now attacking me in France directly; I quickly hired a lawyer specialized in press law. The first hearing went 'well' and the pleading date is scheduled for 2027.
Five days after this first hearing in France, Plaitiff files a motion for entry of default in California. Two days ago since the writing of this post, I received a letter from the Plaintiff’s US law firm, informing me of this request, with proof of service showing that they have indeed sent me the Californian trial back in 2025.
I spoke to my French lawyer about it and unfortunately he was unable to help, advising me to seek answers from a 'specialized lawyer'.
Being a French citizen, can I be judged by default from California?
If yes, how can I defend myself from France, and what type of lawyer would be best suited for this type of situation?
Thank you 🙏
Location: France
Cross-posted the post from r/conseiljuridique