Appeals Court Reinstates Project Veritas Lawsuit Against CNN

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.

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, 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.”

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.