A judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed against Fox News by Ray Epps, an Arizona man who was at the center of controversy over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Epps had accused Fox News of falsely labeling him as a federal informant who helped orchestrate the riot.
Fox News hosts, including former primetime anchor Tucker Carlson, raised questions about Epps’ role, airing video clips of him at the Capitol and suggesting his presence was suspicious. Carlson pointed out that Epps had not been charged with a crime as evidence he might be working with the government.
Epps, who was later charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, sued Fox News for defamation. However, a judge dismissed the case, ruling that the network’s statements were protected by the First Amendment.
Fox News defended its coverage, arguing that its hosts were offering opinions, not making factual assertions about Epps’ involvement. The network celebrated the ruling, noting two other recent defamation lawsuits against it were also dismissed. One was filed by Tony Bobulinski, a former associate of Hunter Biden, and another by disinformation expert Nina Jankowicz.
“Following the dismissals of the Jankowicz, Bobulinski, and now Epps cases, Fox News is pleased with these back-to-back decisions from federal courts preserving the press freedoms of the First Amendment,” Fox News said in a statement.
Fox News still faces a major defamation lawsuit from the voting technology company Smartmatic, which is set to go to trial next year.
