A group of Chinese lawyers is suing CNN over the remarks made by commentator Jack Cafferty. One of the 14 lawyers of the Beijing-based group told a Hong Kong newspaper that Cafferty’s remarks “seriously violated and abused the reputation and dignity of the plaintiffs as Chinese people, and caused serious spiritual and psychological injury to the plaintiffs.”
Earlier this month, speaking about the Chinese government, Cafferty said, “I think they’re basically the same bunch of goons and thugs they’ve been for the last 50 years.”
Cafferty and CNN have made clear the remarks were directed at the government, not the Chinese people.
The newspaper claims the lawyers are seeking “the restoration of the Chinese people’s reputation” and 100 yuan, which as of this writing is about $14.32.