The social media platform, Truth Social, founded by former President Donald Trump, has taken legal action against The Washington Post, which is owned by Jeff Bezos. The company has filed a defamation lawsuit demanding $3.78 billion in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Florida state court, accuses The Washington Post of publishing an article that allegedly harmed the reputation of Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social.
According to the complaint, the article in question, titled “Trust linked to porn-friendly bank could gain a stake in Trump’s Truth Social,” is referred to as an “egregious hit piece” and a threat to TMTG’s existence. The lawsuit claims that the article contains a series of false statements that defame TMTG, accusing the company of fraud and other wrongdoing.
The lawsuit lists nine specific false claims made in the article, including allegations of an undisclosed financial entity gaining a stake in Trump’s media company, improper disclosures to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and shareholders, and suggestions of money laundering investigations. These allegedly false statements are said to have caused significant harm to TMTG’s business and reputation, exposing them to public ridicule and distrust.
The complaint argues that The Washington Post’s article not only damaged TMTG’s reputation but also reflects a long-standing campaign against Truth Social and its owner.
The lawsuit filed by Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) highlights the gravity of the alleged defamatory statements made by The Washington Post. TMTG argues that the false claims published in the article were disseminated to the newspaper’s extensive subscriber base and through social media, amplifying the damage caused to their business.
The $3.78 billion sought in damages reflects the significant financial losses and reputational harm that TMTG is claiming to have suffered as a result of The Washington Post’s article. By asserting that the statements were “materially false” and conveyed a defamatory meaning, TMTG aims to demonstrate the severity of the damage caused to their company’s standing in the public eye.
The lawsuit sheds light on the alleged improper acts attributed to TMTG in the article, such as fraudulent practices and attempts to conceal material facts from shareholders and the SEC. These accusations, if proven true, could have far-reaching consequences for the reputation and success of Truth Social.
The involvement of an undisclosed financial entity, accusations of money laundering, and the association with the adult entertainment industry further compound the damaging impact of The Washington Post’s article. TMTG maintains that these claims are baseless and further evidence of the newspaper’s ongoing campaign against the company.
At present, The Washington Post has not responded to the lawsuit, leaving the outcome of this legal battle uncertain. Nevertheless, TMTG’s decision to pursue legal action demonstrates its determination to defend its reputation and seek compensation for the alleged harm caused by the defamatory statements published by the newspaper.