The problem for Krebs is that (if the criminal case against this guy is true) Krebs was a party to the crime. He was the medium for the extortion. He is the guy

The problem for Krebs is that (if the criminal case against this guy is true) Krebs was a party to the crime. He was the medium for the extortion. He is the guy that published and spread the damaging story! And he’s still doing it! It’s as if a bank robber was dressed as an innocent old lady and tricked Krebs into carrying the bags of stolen money to the getaway car. Except here, the robber is in the back of a squad car and Krebs is still transporting bags of cash! It doesn’t matter whether the statements were true, they’re an act of extortion! Extortion is defamation per se.