New York (CNN Business) A very significant ruling in the media law world came Friday: A federal judge in Kentucky dismissed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Washington Post.

High school student Nicholas Sandmann filed the lawsuit after video of his encounter with Native American elder Nathan Phillips at a March for Life rally in Washington, DC, went viral online.

Soon after, additional footage provided more context of the incident, but the first video had already touched off accusations of bigotry. Sandmann at the time strongly denied accusations of bigotry, saying he had actually been trying to "defuse the situation" by "remaining motionless and calm."

The judge who oversaw the case, William O. Bertlesman, said in his dismissal, "The Court accepts Sandmann's statement that, when he was standing motionless in the confrontation with Phillips, his intent was to calm the situation and not to impede or block anyone. However, Phillips did not see it that way. He concluded that he was being 'blocked' and not allowed to 'retreat.' He passed these conclusions on to The Post. They may have been erroneous, but as discussed above, they are opinion protected by the First Amendment. And The Post is not liable for publishing these opinions."

The Washington Post said it's "pleased" with judge's decision.

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