Former Governor Phil Bryant sued Mississippi Today and its publisher, Mary Margaret White, for defamation in Madison County Circuit Court yesterday.
Mississippi Today earned a Pulitzer Prize for its reporting on the DHS scandal that took place during Mr. Bryant's tenure as Governor. However, the form Governor alleges Mississippi Today engaged in a pattern of defamation against him while reaping rewards for its false reporting. It cites the following examples:
* Anna Wolfe appeared on former Congressman Ronnie Shows' radio show on December 16, 2021 to discuss the DHS scandal. Ms. Wolfe said:
Wolfe: Oh yeah. I think the big questions that I have now that I'm trying to answer are the big questions that everyone has about how far up the chain this is going to go.
And if the people that are investigating this and have the power to do something about it, if they're really going to go after everyone that they should, and everyone who should be held accountable, namely the former governor Phil Bryant.
The complaint called her remarks "false and slanderous."
* MT Publisher Mary Margaret White "authored an article, Reporting with Impact: 2022 mid-year report, that linked readers to a similar report on MT's website in August 2022. The "report" states:
Anna Wolfe, our poverty and investigative reporter, began publishing her investigative series "The Backchannel," which revealed former Gov. Phil Bryant's role in a sprawling welfare scandal. Each part of the series delved further into Bryant's misuse and squandering of at least $77 million in federal funds meant to assist nearly 588,000 of the state's poorest residents.
Mr. Bryant said he did not misuse nor squander the funds in question nor did Ms. Wolfe show that he did. The complaint charges Ms. White's publication "acted with actual malice" because it either knew the accusation was false or disregarded its truthfulness in a reckless manner.
The former Governor notified Mississippi Today on August 11, 2022 it was false but the publication argued it was "accurate" and "there is nothing to be retracted or corrected."
* the complaint cites the infamous Knight Media Forum held in February 2023 where Ms. White was forced to apologize for her remarks at the forum. Ms. White said:
We're the newsroom that broke the story about $77 million in welfare funds, intended for the poorest people in the poorest state in the nation, being embezzled by a former governor and his bureaucratic cronies to be used on pet projects like a state-of-the-art volleyball stadium at Brett Favre's alma mater.
Knight Media removed the video, stating it contained "inaccurate information" after Mr. Bryant demanded an apology and retraction from the publisher . Earlier post.
However, the complaint gets a little cute. Several publications, including the Madison County Journal and Neshoba County Democrat, included the quote as they criticized Ms. White's irresponsibility:
It's bad enough nearly every article infers Phil Bryaut embezzled money; it's a major leap forward to go on a national stage aud say that he did in fact embezzle $77 million.
Other media outlets published similar editorials.
So the newspapers report on the slander as slander and criticize it as such. Somehow that is used as proof that "media outlets throughout Mississippi republished White's slanderous accusation." Is the former Governor trying to have it both ways?
Ms. White responded with a retraction and apology on May 18:
I misspoke at a recent media conference regarding the accusations against former Governor Phil Bryant in the $77 million welfare scandal. He has not been charged with any crime. My remark was inappropriate, and I sincerely apologize.
Mississippi Today has published at least 29 times over the course of its coverage of the welfare scandal, including multiple times in “The Backchannel” investigative series, that Gov. Bryant has not been charged with any crime. My mistake was unintentional and an inaccurate representation of the facts.
The complaint called it a phony apology, arguing Ms. White should have said the former Governor did not embezzle millions of welfare funds.
Despite the heavy media coverage of the controversy, nary a mention of it was made on Mississippi Today.
However, the complaint contends the defamation continued.
* Anna Wolfe reported on May 8, 2023:
The investigation, published in a multi-part series in 2022, revealed for the first time how former Gov. Phil Bryant used his office to steer the spending of millions of federal welfare dollars - money intended to help the state's poorest residents - to benefit his family and friends, including NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
Mr. Bryant stated he did not "steer" welfare funds to his "family and friends." He told Mississippi Today the statement was "false and actionable" but the publication contended "the accusation is accurate and there is nothing to be retracted or corrected."
* Ms. Wolfe and Mississippi Today "Editor" Adam Ganacheau discussed her DHS reporting on his May 10, 2023 podcast. The complaint states:
At 16:11, Wolfe stated about Bryant and others, "I don't think that we've overtly made it, you know, painted it like we were convicting these people. We've simply explained what happened, I think."
At 17:40, Ganucheau stated, "To date, we have not had to issue any retraction or correction on anything Backchannel-related. You should be proud of that, and I'm proud of that."
The complaint says Ms. White's embezzlement statement directly conflicts with what Ms. Wolfe said. Mr. Bryant points out Mississippi Today did not report that Mr. Ganucheau's mother, Special Assistant Attorney General Stephanie Ganucheau reviewed the prepaid lease of the not-yet built USM volleyball facility and recommended approval.
JJ reported in July the IHL Board approved the lease. Earlier post. Y'all Politics reported Ms. Ganucheau's involvement on September 22, 2022. Mr. Ganucheau admitted in an "Editor's note" on SEptember 28 that his mother approved and recommended the project to IHL. He said he first knew of her participation when a Y'all Politics reported contacted him on September 20, 2022 for comment.
Mr. Bryant was having none of it as he said the Mississippi Today "Editor" claim of "ignorance" was "intentionally misleading." In other words, Phil Bryant said Adam Ganucheau lied. He accused the "editor of hiding the information until another media outlet exposed his mother.
The complaint also points out that Ms. Wolfe told Mr. Shows that prosecutors should "go after" the former Governor and hold him "accountable."
Mississippi Today did not correct nor apologize for any of its slanderous statements but rather "maliciously intended to perpetuate the harm to Bryant" charges the complaint.
The complaint charges defamation and false light against Ms. White. Mississippi Today is charged with respondeat superior, defamation, and false light.
Attorney William Quinn, II represents Phil Bryant. The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Bradley Mills.
50 comments:
Their defense will be that they were accurate. And while they might not be able to prove that, their attorneys will likely make Bryant's life miserable attempting to prove they were accurate.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the defendants manage to locate the 3 years of Phil's emails that "mysteriously" disappeared.
This should be good. Get the popcorn folks. I bet it is gonna get ugly. MS Today's defense will be that it is the truth. Of course, Philly will deny it. MS Today gets discovery regarding this, so it should be fun to watch.
I hope the Newspaper bleeds--
Well it's not like he's a public figure.
"Entitlement vs. Radical Left" should be the title of this suit.
I'm no fan of either individual but be assured, Ms. White is as left as they get and full of spite.
Even if Phil is innocent, this is stupid. It just keeps the story front and center for many more months. What an ego.
Great PR for the Mississippi Today.
Phil's attorney will recommend he accept ten bucks and a boot-shine at the Hilton at 12-noon on Labor Day.
"their attorneys will likely make Bryant's life miserable attempting to prove they were accurate."
I suspect Phil and his litigation team is well aware of that, and I suspect this suit wouldn't have been filed if they had any concerns about what those documents will uncover.
I hope the defendants file for Rule 11 sanctions against the lawyers who brought this bullshit suit. Not likely to happen, but man, do they deserve it.
To use an analogy Phil might be able to understand, at the very least he lacked institutional control and had an atmosphere of non-compliance. He can’t deny that money was misappropriated under his watch by his people and he can’t claim ignorance as his text messages show that he was informed of it all. He’s down 10 touchdowns with 10 seconds left on the clock. His only hope is if a Republican presidential candidate comes through and pardons him before time expires.
Even if Phil is innocent ...
What should he be charged with? Be specific.
I hope Pheeel wins big.
Ms Today is not good for society.
Mr Bryant, invite the naysayers to a fish fry, crawfish boil with free beer. After the party we will all swear under oath that these folks are lying on you! You were the best Governor the State of Mississippi ever had with zero scandals under your watch. You are beyond reproach and we love you.
Thank you for your service to this great state. Oh yes, don’t forget to invite Nancy, John, Ted and Brett. No texting or emails please! That shit will get all us in trouble.
"So the newspapers report on the slander as slander and criticize it as such. Somehow that is used as proof that 'media outlets throughout Mississippi republished White's slanderous accusation.' Is the former Governor trying to have it both ways?"
KF- I think you missed the point of this set of allegations. The articles cited in the complaint either quote White's remark or embed the video of her remark. That's the republication. The articles' opining that White's comment was out of bounds is not republication; it's each writer recognizing bullshit when he sees it. The critical point is that every time a third-party quotes White, that's republication for which White is liable.
Everybody is hellfire sure Bryant has committed a crime for which, they hope, he should be jailed and maybe pardoned (@11:29) but nobody ever opines on the specific charges for which he should be indicted.
I'm a little surprised by this. I understand the urge "to do something" when you feel your reputation has been attacked, but this doesn't seem to be the best route. It will cost a significant amount of time and $$$ to pursue and, as a public figure defamation action, it will be extremely difficult for him to prevail. And, even if he does, the issue of damages will be challenging, and there is no guarantee he would recover any meaningful amount. Finally, it needlessly opens him up to all kinds of questions, discovery and scrutiny he has not faced before (and might not ever have had to). With a grand jury out there and lot of unresolved issues, this just doesn't seem so smart. The risks far outweigh any potential reward.
I think Phil is doing this because he's correct. I don't think Phil is guilty. Phil might have been dumb. Phil might have used bad judgement. Phil might have been a poor leader or governor. But they are accusing Phil of embezzling, or illegally steering funds. I haven't seen the proof to back up Mississippi Today's claims. And I know for a fact that MT didn't publish all of the text messages. They only cited the ones they wanted to cite. Ms. Wolfe wrote a story to tell a tale that she wanted everyone to hear. She should have gathered the facts and let the facts tell the story. I hope Phil wins.
Am I the only one seeing Mississippi Today on July 27, 2023, doing high-fives and victory laps in their office, believing that discovery will allow more to be exposed?
RMQ
MT attorney:
“Mr. Davis, did you ever feel pressure from the Governor to fund certain projects?”
“Ms. New, did you ever feel pressure from the Governor or the First Lady to fund certain projects?”
Does Phil really want those questions answered?
12:25: We don't know all the facts, obviously, but some of the federal criminal charges might be under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957 (money laundering conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy to defraud the government), 18 U.S.C. § 286 (conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims), 18 U.S.C. § 1031 (major fraud against the United States) and/or 18 U.S.C. § 648 (misusing public funds). There could be many more or others. Who knows?
Bernie was sentenced to 25 years because he “should have known.” Bryant is in the same boat.
Pheel Gotti- MDA is the Cosa Nostra- MDA paying that delta gum smacker Steve Azar $100's of thousands a year to promote Missip in the tourism ads. Ain't that nice...
That it wasn't investigated seems a bit of a problem...that and finding a judge and jury that are GOP loyalists.
One party in power politics just isn't compatible with good governance or justice...so rarely happens. Seen it three times only in 50 years.
He’s trying to bleed their cash out. This is not about defamation. Good luck , Barksdale still has deep pockets.
He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the drawer...
Also find it interesting that there seems to be unanimity that Bryant has just made a tactical mistake. If Bryant wins or receives a sizeable settlement, no one here will be able to say he called it.
RMQ
"Trying to bleed their cash out"?
Really? What about 'bleeding his own cash out'?
How much cash can an honest, hard-working, retired state employee have?
And for 1:32, Davis and New will never see the stand and if they were to, you'd hear the fifth.
After a tornado tore through Durant I was sitting on my tractor in a field by the road as a pack Harleys , a hwy patrol cruiser and Guvnah Phil's executive ride came prancing by like circus clowns intersecting a funeral and said to myself, "that guy is a nut".
Indictments are getting close. He wants potential jurors to believe this was some kind of conspiracy.
If it comes down to brains, Wolfe wins in a landslide vs Phil.
If it comes down to money, Barksdale wins in a landslide vs Phil.
Phil's only hope is that it comes down to biggest ego.
Governor, did you ever send a text requesting an accommodation for a retired NFL football player?
Did you say in a press release that you would name a multi million dollar palliative care center after your wife? And who got that contract?
Defense team now owns an ATM machine.
Why filed in Madison County? Phil is Rankin county through and through. And is alum of several Hinds County colleges. Is his daughter that lazy?
It's a good thing Phil is squeaky clean.
He's also the whistleblower!
Plus he's holding a Doctor of Laws degree from Mississippi College!
What could go wrong?
Besides, all this fussin and bad publicity might be crimping the revenues!
Let's Go Bryant!
Proud to have high caliber investigative journalists at Mississippi Today! Shedding light and holding crooked Mississippi Republicans accountable for stealing from the poorest of the poor. Bravo!!!
I think he should have sued in federal court since the money he 'steered' was federal money.
And we all know a federal jury will contain more white folk than Hinds, Madison or Copiah.
But, given the circumstances, Madison County juries are (supposedly) more honorable than those in Hinds. And a dishonorable plaintiff loves an honorable jury.
Any thoughts on the source of Benjamins it will take to prosecute this case in court?
I mean eleven pair of cordovan cowboy boots and an old Chevy truck won't even get you past jury selection.
I voted Bryant every single time but he appears that he is involved and is covered up by Shad.
McCraney Montagnet & Quin is the same group that works with the Southern Poverty Law Center. They represent the clients that no one else in town want to take. Very weak and liberal law firm for a Republican Govenor. Kind of telling that more reputable and capable firms weren't interested.
@12:07- um, no that's not true. MMQN has never represented the SPLC. Regarding MMQN's clientele, Google is your friend. You'll find that the firm is very successful.
Has the approval by Jim Hood attorney general for the volleyball building been
handled. I understand Phil's mindset. MMW and Ms Today take these little potshots every chance they can with no proof or charges at all.
Maybe all the arrogant bastards crimes will finally come out, and at his own doings. There is not punishment sufficient enough for him. Maybe his ass-kissing auditor will be with him. Idiots!
I wouldn't be at all surprised to see other outlets enjoined in this lawsuit as defendants. Any news outlet that runs MT's content could be held to the standard of "knew or should have known".
This the same Billy Quin who was an All American football player for the Black Bears?
9:23, As far as I can tell, the complaint is for money damages, not an injunction, so no will be "enjoined."
Also, the legal standards in this case are "actual malice" and "reckless disregard." They're right there in the complaint.
Hoo boy. You're walking a tightrope without a net, Feel. You should have just let it go. Not possible with that ego of yours, I guess.
@12:07 July 28 -- Do you know anything about that firm? Virtually everything you said in your comment is objectively false.
@12:07 July 28 -- Do you know anything about that firm? Virtually everything you said in your comment is objectively false.
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