AUSTIN, Texas — GVA Real Estate Group, an Austin-based multifamily real estate investment and operating company, today announced that the Travis County District Court has denied a motion by Bryan Kastleman and his affiliated entities to dismiss GVA’s defamation claims under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA). The ruling allows GVA to advance its defamation case against Kastleman and pursue damages.
Background
Following the series of federal funds rate hikes that began in 2022, Kastleman began to express dissatisfaction with returns on speculative property investments that had been managed by GVA.
Kastleman and affiliated parties then proceeded to make allegations of misconduct, both publicly and in emails to other investors, against GVA. Kastleman has conceded in a sworn deposition that many of these allegations had been based on assumptions rather than evidence.
GVA has since moved to pursue damages for what it has alleged to be a defamation campaign orchestrated by Kastleman and affiliated parties.
TCPA Ruling
Kastleman and affiliated parties filed a TCPA motion to dismiss GVA’s pursuit of damages. The motion was heard on June 8 in the Travis County District Court.
The TCPA is Texas’s anti-SLAPP statute, designed to allow early dismissal of claims that target a party’s exercise of free speech, the right to petition, or the right of association. To survive a TCPA motion, the non-moving party must present clear and specific evidence establishing a prima facie case for every essential element of its claims.
Following the hearing, Kastleman’s motion was officially rejected in an order signed by Judge Maya Guerra Gamble on July 1. By denying Kastleman’s motion, the court found that GVA met the high evidentiary standard required by the TCPA. GVA’s defamation claims will now proceed through discovery and toward trial.
“The courts set a high bar so that only the cases that deserve to be heard get their day in court—and we’re getting ours,” said Alan Stalcup, founder and CEO of GVA Real Estate Group. “Me, my family, and my colleagues have suffered under a relentless defamation campaign. We will see this through until every damage is accounted for.”
About GVA Property Management
GVA is a commercial real estate operator and investor specializing in multifamily apartment communities across the Southeastern United States and Texas markets. GVA was founded with a mission to make a positive impact on communities, deliver strong returns for investors, and provide exceptional career opportunities for employees.
Contact:
Michael Oberrender
512.497.0797