Attorneys for Mario Lopez have argued the alleged disparaging comments he made at the so-called "Flu Shot Cheerleader" are protected as free speech, RadarOnline.com can exclusively report.

The actor, who faces a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit from former NFL cheerleader Desiree Townsend, has challenged her accusations and provided a possible look at his defense. Article continues below advertisement

Townsend earned the nickname " Flu Shot Cheerleader " more than 15 years ago, when she was the subject of an Inside Edition story about claims a seasonal flu shot left her with a rare neurological condition that caused her to slur her speech and convulse sporadically.

The tabloid program approached Townsend days later, challenging her after she seemed to show no lasting

See Full Page