“These obviously defamatory claims are part of a pattern of disparagement you have directed at LU and Mr. Falwell,” Bowe wrote in the letter, which is dated Oct. 22. The letter concludes with a demand Ambrosino “immediately retract these false and defamatory statements,” adding that defamation action is likely.

Ambrosino confirmed in a Facebook post Wednesday he received the cease-and-desist letter, and told The News & Advance on Wednesday night, “I stand by my reporting.” Politico did not respond to requests for comment.

If Falwell does pursue a defamation suit he could face a high hurdle in court, according to legal experts.

“In order to bring a successful defamation action, a public figure like Jerry Falwell Jr. must prove by clear and convincing evidence that factual statements asserted by the defendant were false and that the defendant knew they [were] false or knew of a substantial risk that they were false,” Leslie Kendrick, the vice dean of the University of Virginia’s School of Law, said in an email.

Falwell, who previously said Liberty’s board of trustees has approved legal action in response to recent media reports, said Tuesday he will only file a lawsuit if “we are confident we can succeed.”