Read the Letter (Score 0)

I've read both the original article and the lawyer letter and must say that the amount of counter-evidence to that presented in the New Yorker is significant. Even if it doesn't receive a judgement as libel, it is, at the very least, shoddy journalism. After reading the original article, my reaction was that Yau was fairly sleazy (on the assumption that everything written therein is true). However, soon after publication of the article, many of those quoted came forward publicly and claimed they were misquoted or quoted out of context. I doubt if Yau has the power to intimidate each of these mathematicians to his will. What recourse does he have against a large internationally circulated publication like the New Yorker? In the lawyer letter it asks only for a corrective/apology in the magazine (and corollary web sites and blogs) and correction of false statements. He wishes to undo the damage done. If they tell him to buzz off, then he will sue for defamation. - Paul