A judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Ray Epps, a Trump supporter and Jan. 6 defendant, against Fox News on Wednesday, ending the yearlong legal battle. Epps had alleged in his July 2023 lawsuit that Fox News and former host Tucker Carlson spread false claims that he was an undercover FBI agent responsible for inciting violence during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. These conspiracy theories featured prominently in Fox News segments, damaging Epps’ reputation.
In the complaint, Epps argued that the network waged a “years-long campaign” of falsehoods that “destroyed” his and his wife’s lives. However, Judge Jennifer L. Hall of the U.S. District Court of Delaware dismissed the case, agreeing with Fox News’ argument that Epps failed to state a valid claim.
Fox News praised the decision as a victory for First Amendment press freedoms, referencing similar recent dismissals of lawsuits. Fox attorneys argued their coverage involved commentary on Epps’ role in a highly publicized event.
Epps, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor related to Jan. 6, was sentenced to probation earlier this year. The FBI has denied allegations that Epps was an informant, despite persistent far-right claims labeling Jan. 6 a “false flag” orchestrated by federal agents.
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