Pro-Trump Influencer Benny Johnson is being sued for defamation by ICE protesters
Pro-Trump influencer Benny Johnson is facing a defamation lawsuit from two protesters he falsely labeled as 'left-wing terrorists' in a viral video. The plaintiffs claim the false accusations caused them significant professional and personal distress.
Why it matters
This case highlights the legal risks associated with online misinformation and the real-world consequences for individuals targeted by high-profile influencers.
Pro-Trump media figure Benny Johnson is being sued for defamation by protesters who say he falsely portrayed them as "left-wing terrorists" who had assaulted federal officers.
One plaintiff, Kyle Frankovich, had never heard of Johnson before the podcaster and online influencer posted video of Frankovich and a row of other protesters detained outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Ill. last October. "These individuals assaulted ICE officers as they were trying to clear out the area behind us over here," said Johnson in one video.
Only on NPR She protested ICE raids. Then agents showed up at her door Johnson knew that wasn't true, according to a lawsuit filed by Frankovich and another protester on Friday. Frankovich was observing and recording video of the ICE agents from a designated "free speech" area when he was thrown to the ground and arrested. He and his co-plaintiff, Maureen Foody, were released without charges.
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