As we reported back in April, raving freakazoid nut sandwich Glenn Beck is being sued for defamation by the Saudi student he falsely accused of being the “money man” behind the Boston marathon bombings. Today the Washington Post has new details on the bizarre strategy Beck’s lawyers are trying to use to defend him; they’re claiming Abdulrahman Alharbi is a “public figure,” which would significantly raise the bar for proving a defamation case.

How and when did Alharbi become a public figure? Well, according to Beck’s doubtlessly expensive legal team, it happened when Glenn Beck accused him of being behind the Boston terror attacks, and he tried to defend himself against Beck’s accusations. Oh, my aching head.

What makes Alharbi a public figure, according to Beck? “By behaving suspiciously at the Marathon finishing line when the bombs detonated, thereby causing his detention and a background check by law enforcement,” states Beck’s motion to dismiss, Alharbi “embarked on a course of conduct that was reasonably likely to result in public attention and comment on his background, activities, and immigration status.” Plus, he gave interviews defending himself, said Beck’s legal team, led by Michael J. Grygiel.