Network v. Pandora

Background

Global Media Network filed this action without a lawyer, and non-party William Scales signed the complaint. In an earlier July 23, 2025 order, the court dismissed Global Media Network’s claims without prejudice and described Scales’ litigation history. The court then ordered Scales to show cause—meaning to explain why a particular order should not be entered—why he should not be barred from filing new civil actions in the Southern District of New York without paying filing fees, either in his own name or in the names of his companies, unless he first obtained court permission.

Scales filed a document called an “Order to show cause response.” The court concluded that the response did not state facts supporting an argument against imposing the bar.

Ruling

The court issued the bar order under 28 U.S.C. § 1651. It bars William Scales from filing future civil actions without paying filing fees in this court, whether in his own name or his companies’ names, unless he first obtains leave from the court. Any request for leave must be filed with the Pro Se Intake Unit and must include a copy of the proposed complaint and the bar order.

The injunction takes effect as of July 23, 2025. The court stated that any case Scales filed in his own name or his companies’ names as of that date is subject to the injunction and may be dismissed. If Scales files a covered action without first seeking permission, the action will be dismissed for violating the order.

Other Orders and Disposition

The court certified under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(3) that an appeal from the order would not be taken in good faith and denied fee-free status for an appeal. The Clerk of Court was directed to enter a civil judgment. The order does not describe a decision on the underlying merits of Global Media Network’s claims; the earlier dismissal was without prejudice.