Fox News Faces Second Lawsuit Over False Election Claims
In April, Fox News settled a defamation lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 billion after spreading false claims about the 2020 election. Now, the network is facing another lawsuit related to its false election claims.
Ray Epps, who was present at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News on July 12. Epps alleges that he was drawn to the Capitol because of the network’s false election claims. Despite not being charged with a crime, Fox News spread falsehoods that Epps was a covert FBI agent who helped instigate the attack. Epps has testified under oath that he had no connections to the FBI or law enforcement.
Tucker Carlson, one of Fox’s former high-profile hosts, focused on Epps in about two dozen episodes, according to the lawsuit. The New York Times reported that Carlson had planned to run another segment on Epps the day his show was canceled. The lawsuit specifically singles out Carlson.
After the January 6 attack, false narratives emerged, including the claim that the events were organized by the FBI. Revolver, a right-leaning website, and Carlson amplified this conspiracy theory. An October 2021 Revolver article called Epps a “fed-protected provocateur” who led the attack. Carlson even had Revolver’s founder on his show to discuss the story.
The lawsuit states that Fox News spread these false claims about Epps on TV, online, and in social media posts over a period of several years. The impact of these falsehoods has been devastating for Epps and his family, causing them to flee their home and abandon their businesses.
Here are some fact-checks and stories that provide more information about Epps:
1. Fact-check: “Ray Epps confessed to Jan. 6 Committee he ‘orchestrated’ attack on Capitol” – This claim was rated Mostly False. Epps did not claim to have orchestrated the attack during his testimony before the House select committee. He used the word “orchestrated” out of pride, referring to his role in helping people get to the Capitol.
2. Fact-check: “Freedom of Information Act requests show a dozen phone calls between the cell phone of Ray Epps and the office of Speaker Pelosi in the week before #January6th” – This claim was rated False. Both private citizens and members of Congress are exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests, and a spokesperson for Nancy Pelosi confirmed that the claim was not true.
3. Story: How new Jan. 6 revelations on Ray Epps, others undercut Tucker Carlson’s FBI conspiracy theory – This article discusses Epps’ testimony before the House select committee, where he stated that he had no connections to the FBI or law enforcement, contradicting the conspiracy pushed by Carlson and others.
4. Story: There’s still no evidence that the FBI incited the Jan. 6 riot, despite stories claiming otherwise – This article examines a Revolver article that claimed Epps was an FBI agent. The article relied on speculation and provided no conclusive evidence to support this claim.
It is important to separate fact from fiction and hold media outlets accountable for spreading false information. The second lawsuit against Fox News highlights the consequences of spreading baseless claims and the impact it can have on individuals and their lives.
Unveiling the Truth: Fact-Checks on Ray Epps’ Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox News for Jan. 6 Claims
In recent months, the events surrounding the January 6th Capitol riot have continued to captivate the attention of the American public. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of that fateful day, new developments have emerged, including a defamation lawsuit filed by Ray Epps against Fox News. Epps, a person of interest in the investigation, alleges that the news network falsely accused him of inciting violence on January 6th. As this legal battle unfolds, it is crucial to examine the facts and conduct a thorough fact-check to ascertain the veracity of Epps’ claims against Fox News.
First and foremost, it is important to establish the context surrounding Ray Epps’ involvement in the events of January 6th. Epps, a former construction worker from Arizona, gained attention after a video surfaced showing him encouraging protesters to enter the Capitol building. This video, widely circulated on social media, led to widespread speculation about Epps’ intentions and potential role in the riot. However, it is crucial to note that Epps has not been charged with any crime related to the events of that day.
Epps’ defamation lawsuit against Fox News centers around the network’s coverage of his alleged involvement in the Capitol riot. He claims that Fox News falsely labeled him as an “antifa provocateur” and accused him of being part of a coordinated effort to incite violence. To evaluate the veracity of these claims, it is essential to examine the evidence presented by both parties.
Fox News, in its defense, argues that its coverage of Epps was based on information available at the time. They contend that Epps’ actions, as captured in the video, warranted scrutiny and analysis. Furthermore, they assert that their reporting was in line with the prevailing narrative surrounding the events of January 6th, which suggested the involvement of various extremist groups. Fox News maintains that they did not knowingly spread false information about Epps and that their reporting was protected under the First Amendment.
On the other hand, Epps’ legal team argues that Fox News’ coverage was not based on verified facts but rather on unfounded speculation. They claim that the network’s labeling of Epps as an “antifa provocateur” was a deliberate attempt to defame him and tarnish his reputation. Epps’ lawyers argue that their client’s involvement in the events of January 6th was misrepresented, leading to significant harm to his personal and professional life.
To fact-check these claims, it is crucial to examine the available evidence and statements made by credible sources. The FBI, in its investigation into the Capitol riot, has not charged Epps with any criminal activity. This fact raises questions about the accuracy of Fox News’ characterization of Epps as an “antifa provocateur.” However, it is important to note that the absence of charges does not necessarily absolve Epps of any potential wrongdoing. The investigation is ongoing, and further evidence may emerge in due course.
Additionally, it is worth considering the broader context of the events of January 6th. The riot was a complex and chaotic event involving a multitude of individuals with varying motivations. While some participants may have been affiliated with extremist groups, others were motivated by different factors, such as political grievances or misinformation. It is essential to approach any claims about specific individuals’ involvement with caution and rely on verified evidence.
As the legal battle between Ray Epps and Fox News unfolds, it is crucial to maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Fact-checking plays a vital role in ensuring that the public is informed about the events of January 6th and the subsequent fallout. While the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, it serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need for thorough fact-checking in our society. Only by unveiling the truth can we hope to understand the events of January 6th and work towards healing and reconciliation.
