In a stunning move, the owner of Newsmax, a right-wing news outlet, has filed a lawsuit against the hosts of “The View,” claiming defamation and emotional distress.
Christopher Ruddy, who owns Newsmax and has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, alleges that comments made on “The View” have caused him and his company harm.
According to the lawsuit, Ruddy was watching an episode of “The View” when he heard co-host Joy Behar call Newsmax “a joke” and “a ridiculous farce.” Ruddy claims that these comments were defamatory and caused him and his employees emotional distress.
In addition to Behar, Ruddy is also suing the other hosts of “The View,” including Whoopi Goldberg, Meghan McCain, Sunny Hostin, and Sara Haines.
Ruddy’s lawsuit seeks damages in the amount of $10 million, as well as a public apology from the hosts of “The View.”
In a statement released to the press, Ruddy said, “As a journalist, I believe in the importance of free speech and open dialogue.
However, when that speech crosses the line into defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, it is no longer protected by the First Amendment.”
He continued, “I am filing this lawsuit to defend myself and my company against these baseless and malicious attacks. I hope that the hosts of ‘The View’ will take responsibility for their actions and issue a public apology.”
The hosts of “The View” have yet to comment on the lawsuit. However, sources close to the show say that they are confident that their comments were protected by the First Amendment and that they will vigorously defend themselves in court.
This lawsuit is just the latest example of the growing divide between the right-wing media and mainstream media. As the political climate in the United States becomes increasingly polarized, it seems that even the slightest criticism can lead to legal action.
Only time will tell how this lawsuit will play out, but one thing is clear: the battle between the right-wing and mainstream media shows no signs of slowing down.
