In a recent episode, Fox News host Jesse Watters apologized to California Governor Gavin Newsom for insinuating he lied about a phone call with President Trump. This apology comes amidst a $787 million defamation lawsuit filed by Newsom, who accused Watters of misleadingly editing a video to create a false narrative. The lawsuit alleges Watters misrepresented the timing of the call to suggest the governor discussed troop deployment with Trump, when in fact, the call occurred earlier. Despite the apology, Newsom remains steadfast in his legal action, stating he looks forward to the court proceedings.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News, seeking $787 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, centers on comments made by Jesse Watters alleging Newsom lied about a phone call with former President Trump. Newsom’s suit accuses Fox News of distorting facts to favor Trump and propagate a false narrative, particularly regarding a conversation about protests in Los Angeles. The suit demands a retraction and apology from Watters and Fox News to be voluntarily dismissed. Fox News has responded, calling the lawsuit frivolous and vowing to defend itself.
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The appeals court’s decision to bar the Department of Justice (DOJ) from representing Donald Trump in his appeal of E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case is a significant development, raising crucial questions about the role of the government in personal lawsuits involving former presidents. The ruling effectively prevents the use of taxpayer funds to defend Trump in this specific case, a point many find to be a long overdue correction of a deeply concerning precedent.
This decision underscores the principle that the DOJ’s responsibilities are to represent the interests of the American people, not to serve as a personal legal shield for any individual, even a former president.… Continue reading
A federal jury awarded $2.3 million to Eric Coomer, a former Dominion Voting Systems employee, in a defamation lawsuit against MyPillow founder Mike Lindell. Lindell, a prominent spreader of false 2020 election conspiracy theories, was found liable for defamatory statements accusing Coomer of election interference. The verdict follows similar successful lawsuits against Fox News and Newsmax for disseminating false claims about Dominion voting machines. Lindell’s defense, citing First Amendment protections, was rejected by the court.
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A Colorado jury found MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell liable for defaming former Dominion Voting Systems employee Eric Coomer, awarding Coomer $2.3 million in damages. The verdict stemmed from Lindell’s false and defamatory statements, including labeling Coomer a “traitor,” which the jury deemed harmful and untrue. Lindell, who plans to appeal, maintains his claims of election fraud and his commitment to criticizing voting machines despite lacking evidentiary support for his allegations. This case highlights the ongoing impact of election conspiracy theories on individuals and the democratic process.
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The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has definitively rejected Donald Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation case, upholding the $5 million judgment against him. This decision follows a prior ruling affirming the jury’s verdict and the admissibility of evidence demonstrating a pattern of similar behavior. Trump’s only remaining recourse is a petition to the Supreme Court, but this does not halt the collection process on the judgment. Failure to secure a stay and post bond could result in immediate asset seizures to satisfy the judgment.
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Donald Trump’s $20 billion defamation lawsuit against CBS News, stemming from a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, continues to unfold. Trump’s legal team claims the interview caused him “mental anguish” and accuses CBS of using the First Amendment as a shield for “news distortion.” Paramount, CBS’s parent company, initially sought to dismiss the suit but has since offered a $15 million settlement, a figure Trump reportedly rejected. However, the settlement discussions have been complicated by internal tensions at CBS and concerns about potential legal repercussions, including investigations into possible bribery.
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The Horse and Jockey pub in Tideswell, Derbyshire, wrongly accused the McGirr family of a “dine and dash,” publicly shaming them on social media and in news reports. This false accusation stemmed from a staff error; the family had paid their £150 bill in full. Subsequently, the pub settled a defamation lawsuit brought by the McGirr family, agreeing to pay £75,000 in damages and legal costs. The family was vindicated, receiving compensation for the significant reputational harm caused by the pub’s actions. The pub issued a public apology acknowledging their mistake.
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A federal jury ruled against Sarah Palin in her defamation retrial against the New York Times, upholding the newspaper’s non-liability for a 2017 editorial inaccurately linking Palin to a mass shooting. This verdict, following a 2022 ruling overturned on appeal, reinforces the “actual malice” standard, requiring proof of knowing falsehood or reckless disregard for the truth. The case garnered significant attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and its implications for free speech in the current political climate. Despite the loss, Palin expressed contentment with her personal life and remained undecided on an appeal.
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A transgender military pilot, Jo Ellis, is suing conservative influencer Matt Wallace for defamation. Wallace falsely linked Ellis to a fatal helicopter crash via social media posts that went viral, resulting in immense online harassment and damage to her reputation. The lawsuit alleges Wallace’s actions were a “destructive and irresponsible defamation campaign,” forcing Ellis into the public eye and causing significant emotional distress and security concerns. Ellis intends to donate any awarded damages to the victims’ families.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood