Judge Dismisses Epps Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox News

A federal judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News filed by Raymond Epps, a former Trump supporter, who claimed he received death threats due to false accusations made by the network regarding his involvement in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall ruled that Epps failed to prove that Tucker Carlson acted with 'actual malice' in promoting the conspiracy theory that Epps was a government agent inciting the violence. Following the ruling, Fox News expressed satisfaction with this dismissal, which is the third in recent months concerning defamation claims against the network, including cases involving Nina Jankowicz and Tony Bobulinski. Epps had previously stated that he and his wife were forced to sell their home due to harassment stemming from these allegations. Carlson, who was a prominent voice on Fox until his departure in April 2023, had been particularly vocal in promoting the false narrative about Epps. Despite his participation in the protests, Epps was not among those who breached the Capitol during the insurrection.