Baltimore Sun Owner David D. Smith Sues Maryland Governor Wes Moore Over Defamation

• David D. Smith threatens to sue Maryland Governor Wes Moore over defamation claims.
• Smith denies ever saying the Baltimore Sun's goal is 'to do Donald Trump's work'.
• Moore allegedly associated Smith with convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein without substantiation.
• A potential lawsuit would require Smith to prove actual malice, a higher standard for public figures.
• This case could set a precedent for governors being sued individually for defamation.

Smith denies ever making such comments and asserts that his reputation has been damaged by the association with Epstein, a convicted sexual predator.

David D. Smith, owner of the Baltimore Sun, has threatened a defamation lawsuit against Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The threat of a lawsuit alleges that Moore falsely accused Smith of saying the newspaper's goal is 'to do Donald Trump's work' and that he bought the paper to spread Trump's message. This statement was made on the MS NOW television program 'The Weeknight' in June. Smith denies ever making such comments and asserts that his reputation has been damaged by the association with Epstein, a convicted sexual predator.

To succeed in a potential defamation lawsuit, Smith would need to prove that Moore acted with actual malice. This is an additional requirement for defamation claims against public figures. However, Smith asserts that he is not a public figure and did not voluntarily involve himself in controversy around Epstein. The potential lawsuit also alleges that Moore framed Smith in a false light by associating him with Epstein without providing substantiation. Investment firms controlled by Epstein owned Sinclair Broadcast Group stock in 2002 and 2013, but there is no evidence that Epstein personally directed or approved any decisions related to the shares.

This threatened lawsuit has significant implications for media owners who may be targeted by politicians with false accusations. If Moore's statements are found to be defamatory, it could set a precedent for governors and other public officials being sued individually for defamation. This could have far-reaching consequences for the relationship between government officials and the press. The case also highlights the importance of verifying information before making public statements, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like Epstein's association with various business entities.

Lawyers should watch for the potential precedent of a governor being sued individually for defamation, and the implications for media owners who may be targeted by politicians with false accusations.

Source: Original reporting via CN (Courthouse News)