As to Barnes and Nitze, since we are dismissing the first cause of action in its entirety as against them, we need not address the defamation-based part of the claim. We also decline to dismiss the fifth cause of action as against Nitze since he is alleged to have made defamatory statements about Fletcher to Hatkoff.
[*9]
Contrary to defendants' contention, the tortious interference with contract claim states a cause of action by alleging tortious interference with Fletcher's contract to purchase apartment 50 from Ruth Proskauer Smith's estate (Kronos, Inc. v AVX Corp., 81 NY2d 90, 94 [1993]).[FN3]
Thus, we decline to dismiss the eleventh cause of action as against The Dakota. However, it should be dismissed as against Barnes, because the complaint does not allege that Barnes committed independent tortious conduct outside of his role as a board member (see American-European Art Assoc. v Trend Galleries, 227 AD2d 170, 171-172 [1996]). The dismissal is without prejudice since discovery may reveal evidence that would support a claim against Barnes in his individual capacity.