Former NY Times Editor Apologizes to Sarah Palin in Libel Retrial

The retrial of Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times centers on a 2017 editorial that incorrectly linked her political rhetoric to the 2011 Arizona shooting that wounded Rep. Gabby Giffords. Former Times opinion editor James Bennet, who authored the editorial, became emotional while testifying, openly apologizing to Palin and admitting he "blew it" by making the erroneous connection. The Times promptly issued a correction acknowledging the mistake and has argued the error was unintentional, not an act of actual malice. Despite Bennet's apology, Palin appeared unmoved, questioning the value of an apology years after the incident. The case was sent back for retrial after an appeals court found the original proceedings were flawed. Palin maintains the editorial harmed her reputation, while the Times continues to defend its editorial process and intent.