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Counterclaim in Winston rape case dismissed

A federal judge has dismissed one of Jameis Winston's counterclaims against Erica Kinsman and declined to dismiss another for defamation in an ongoing lawsuit stemming from the quarterback's alleged rape of the former Florida State student in 2012.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Anne C. Conway denied Kinsman's motion to dismiss Winston's claim of defamation but granted one to dismiss his claim of tortious interference.

"(T)he Court rejects Mr. Winston's argument that his tortious interference count is legally independent from his defamation claims," Conway wrote. "The tortious interference count is based squarely on the alleged defamatory statements.