UnitedHealthcare Sues Guardian Over Defamation Claims

UnitedHealthcare has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Guardian, alleging the newspaper knowingly published false claims in a May 21 article that accused the insurer of secretly paying nursing homes to cut hospital transfers, potentially harming patient health. The lawsuit claims The Guardian exploited media attention following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson, and misrepresented internal emails and medical events. UnitedHealthcare is represented by the law firm Clare Locke, which specializes in defamation cases. The Guardian has strongly defended its reporting, stating it is based on thousands of corporate and patient records, publicly filed lawsuits, regulatory declarations, interviews with over 20 current and former UnitedHealth employees, and information provided by UnitedHealth itself. The Guardian asserts the lawsuit is an attempt to intimidate the press and maintains confidence in the accuracy and independence of its journalism.