Were I a betting man (I am) I'd be willing to bet that Alan does not file and win defamation lawsuit against KJ.

Not only would he have difficulty meeting the burden of proof (Alan is a public figure) but there is also the expense of litigation to consider.

Now I don't know or really give a flying fuck about Alan's financial situation but unless he is very well-heeled the notion of filing a defamation lawsuit does not meet the cost / benefit test.

First, he'd have to pay cash up front and as the case progresses the lawyer's bill must be paid current; I can easily see expenses over twenty grand.

Second, there is the essentially impossible problem of meeting the necessary burden of proof.

Third, there is the question of assessing and quantifying damages; how could Alan show and quantify any pecuniary loss due to the alleged defamatory statement?

Finally there is the issue of being able to collect on a judgment, assuming (a real long shot) he files the case, wins, and secures a judgment; just as KJ claims Alan is not well-heelied, I suspect KJ isn't either, and is close to judgment proof.

You can't get blood from a turnip.