Ray Epps, a Trump supporter who was present during the January 6 Capitol riot and later became the subject of conspiracy theories, is now suing Fox News for defamation. In the lawsuit filed by Epps’s attorneys, it is claimed that Fox News intentionally promoted the false narrative that Epps was a federal agent who incited the attack on the Capitol, similar to the network’s false claims about a rigged election.
The theory that Epps was a federal agent tasked with inciting the riot gained traction after a video showed him urging others to enter the Capitol while being called a “Fed” by the crowd. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, on his show Tucker Carlson Tonight, accused Epps of helping stage-manage the insurrection. Carlson repeatedly questioned why Epps had not faced prosecution and called it an important question.
Epps’s legal team argues in the lawsuit that Fox’s portrayal of Epps has caused significant damages. Epps has reportedly faced harassment, death threats, and financial burdens as a result of the false statements made about him. He has been forced to spend money to protect himself and his family, give up his businesses and sell his home, and live in isolation. The alleged damages include loss of income, loss of business opportunities, mental anguish, public humiliation, anxiety, and physical suffering.
Fox’s portrayal of Epps has caused Epps significant damages, as a result of the false statements, Epps has suffered the single and indivisible injuries discussed previously, including but not limited to: being harassed and receiving death threats; forced to spend money to protect himself and his family; forced to give up his businesses and sell his home; forced to flee and live in isolation; and forced to face financial ruin, loss of income; loss of earning capacity loss of business and business opportunities; suffering, both mental and physical in nature; mental anguish; public humiliation; anxiety; loss of sleep; and loss of appetite.
“Epps is entitled to damages, including presumed economic damages, as a consequence of
Fox’s conduct,” they continued.
The lawsuit seeks damages, including presumed economic damages, as a consequence of Fox’s conduct. It claims that Epps is entitled to compensation for the harm caused by the network’s false portrayal of him. The Department of Justice has recently informed Epps that he will face criminal charges for his actions on January 6.
This lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal battles surrounding the Capitol riot and highlights the consequences of spreading false information and conspiracy theories.
