A federal appeals court ruled Thursday that Project Veritas can move forward with its defamation lawsuit against CNN, reversing an earlier dismissal by a lower court. The case involves statements made by former CNN host Ana Cabrera about why the conservative group was suspended from Twitter, now known as X.
Cabrera claimed on-air in February 2021 that Project Veritas was suspended for “promoting disinformation.” However, the group argues that the suspension stemmed from publishing private information without consent, also known as “doxxing.” The appeals court found that these two reasons are not interchangeable and that the difference could impact public perception.
Project Veritas wins their defamation appeal against CNN where Ana Cabrera strongly implied they were banned from Twitter for misinformation which was false.https://t.co/LDUV8n5isR pic.twitter.com/UPuwRHep3B
— Adam Ruffin (@ruffinappeals) November 7, 2024
The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta determined that Project Veritas had sufficiently alleged actual malice by CNN, which requires proof the network knowingly broadcast false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Circuit Judge Elizabeth Branch, appointed by President Donald Trump, wrote that the two explanations carry different connotations, with “disinformation” potentially seen as more harmful.
Judge Ed Carnes, appointed by George H.W. Bush, supported the decision, noting that CNN’s actions undermined its credibility. “I never thought I’d see a major news organization downplaying the importance of telling the truth in its broadcasts,” Carnes wrote.
Project Veritas has filed another lawsuit today — this time against @CNN for making false and defamatory statements with regard to Project Veritas Twitter account ban.#DeposeCNN https://t.co/TQUdwONrEh
— CPAC (@CPAC) April 27, 2021
Project Veritas, known for undercover operations targeting liberal organizations, sees the ruling as a victory for media accountability. Attorneys for the group stated, “Today’s decision sends a strong message to the media: The truth matters.”
The 11th Circuit revived a lawsuit accusing CNN of defaming conservative group Project Veritas. The court said the group plausibly alleged a defamation claim after a CNN host suggested on air that the group's Twitter ban was for 'promoting disinformation' https://t.co/z7ot1SXy0x pic.twitter.com/kHCZKNpVIe
— Reuters Legal (@ReutersLegal) November 7, 2024
CNN has not responded to requests for comment. Cabrera, now employed by MSNBC, is not a defendant in the case. The lawsuit now returns to the lower court for further proceedings, potentially leading to a jury trial.
