Corp. v. Lutin, 297 A.D.2d 557, 558 (1st Dep't 2002), (ii) the "failure to investigate thoroughly and verify the facts," Celle v. Filipino Reporter Enterprises Inc., 209 F.3d 163, 190 (2d Cir. 2000) (citation omitted), and (iii) the "failure to seek corroboration from the most obvious source" — in this case, Mr.

, defamation per se as alleged in this case presumes damages and special damages do not need to be plead and proven. See Celle v. Filipino Reporter Enterprises Inc., 209 F.3d 163, 179 (2nd Cir. 2000) (Second Circuit holding that '[i]f a statement is defamatory per se, injury is assumed. In such a case `even whe