The jury has ruled in favor of radio DJ Bubba the Love Sponge Clem in the defamation trial brought against him by Todd 'MJ' Schnitt.

The jury of six people listened to about three hours of closing arguments and a rebuttal Wednesday morning before deliberations started.

Clem and his lawyers celebrated the verdict with a group hug.

“The First Amendment prevailed today. As unpopular as my speech is at times, it’s necessary for me and it’s necessary for you guys (the media),” said Clem, surrounded by his legal team outside the courthouse. “If this would’ve gone through it would’ve been a slippery slope.”

Schnitt sued Clem and the BTLS Radio Network for what he says were "highly offensive, insulting or fighting words and defamatory statements" made on-air in 2008 about him and his wife, Michelle.

“None of it was malice, none of it was intended to hurt- it was classic radio-war 101," said Clem.

Mixed in with testimony during the trial were Schnitt's attorney Charles Philip Campbell's DUI arrest, conspiracy claims that Campbell was set up and requests for mistrials from both sides.

Judge James Arnold still has not ruled on a mistrial request from Schnitt's attorneys.

The Schnitts sought damages because they say Bubba's comments hurt their reputation. The suit sought at least enough money to pay for the Schnitts' home security system, which cost about $18,000.

Schnitt and his lawyers had no comment, excpet to say they were disppointed.

Alt. juror: MJ needs 'thicker skin'

Alternate juror Alana Wilshire, a nurse, was very vocal on what she thought of the case. Wilshire said she would’ve ruled in Clem’s favor.

“Anybody that runs and cries and hides in their house because someone called them a name needs to grow up,” she told Bay News 9.

Wilshire said Schnitt crying wouldn’t have swayed her opinion, saying she saw the tears as fake.

“Develop thicker skin, especially if you’re in the public eye,” she said of Schnitt.

Wilshire called Schnitt a “performer” and said he seemed insecure. She said she had no knowledge of the Campbell DUI arrest.

Closing arguments

Schnitt's attorneys finished their closing arguments first, reminding jurors of the statements made by Clem on air they believe are defamatory and that Clem should be held accountable.

"What happens after this trial?" Schnitt attorney Philip Campbell asked. "What happens after this verdict? What happens if we don’t compensate we don’t address the shame, the humiliation, the damage to his (Schnitt's) reputation?"

Campbell reminded the jury of the derogatory names Clem called Michelle Schnitt on air.

"It's (some of the) the most disrespectful things you can say about someone." Campbell said of the slur.

Campbell also played tapes from Clem's show during that period.

"I was told to shut up about you (Schnitt)," Clem was heard saying during a broadcast. "I've hated you from day one. I honest to God have."

Clem's attorney Stephen Diaco countered with the First Amendment.

"It's important to remember the First Amendment is designed to protect words that are unpopular," Diaco said. "Not popular speech."

"Mr. Clem's comments were in context of a radio war. Although they (the Schnitts) try to claim there's evidence of ill will and hatred, there is no evidence of ill will or hatred toward Todd Schnitt or Michele Schnitt."