Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit Thursday against CBS Corp. and CBS Broadcasting in New York, alleging the network published false statements by two women who have accused him of sexual assault. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Fairfax brings this action to restore his reputation and clear his name, ensure the truth prevails, stop the weaponization of false allegations of sexual assault against him, and vindicate his rights under civil law,” the lawsuit said. (TVNewser)
Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson appeared in separate segments with CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King on CBS This Morning on April 1 and April 2, respectively, according to the complaint filed in Virginia federal court. (THR / THR, Esq.)
The lawsuit alleges nobody at the company investigated or adequately fact-checked the allegations made by Tyson or Watson before airing them. It says CBS’ actions have damaged Fairfax’s reputation and “once promising career and political prospects.” (PBS / AP)