In an interview, Hasen noted that defamation cases surrounding public figures require plaintiffs to demonstrate “actual malice.”

Defamation cases against media outlets require proving malice or a reckless disregard for the truth – and other news organisations have successfully fought off previous Trump lawsuits.

"As someone who is also of South Asian heritage, I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there," she said.

If the case goes to trial, a jury will be asked to determine if CNN journalists acted with actual malice, defined as the publication of false information with reckless disregard of the truth.

The stare burns hard and clean, with an undercurrent of malice that you’d be a fool to miss.