Lawyers representing Hunter Biden have issued a letter notifying Fox News of imminent legal action, citing alleged defamation and exploitation of Biden’s image and personal data. The letter accuses Fox News of engaging in a “conspiracy” to defame Biden and unlawfully exploit his name, image, and likeness. It also highlights the alleged publication of hacked intimate images of Biden.
Mark Geragos and his firm have been retained by Biden to pursue litigation against Fox News. The letter, dated April 23, marks the second communication to Fox within a month regarding potential legal action. The network has yet to respond to the latest letter, which included a deadline to reply.
The threat of litigation against Fox News comes in the wake of previous legal disputes involving the network, notably a settlement of almost $800 million with Dominion Voting Systems related to election fraud claims in the 2020 election. Fox News is also facing a $2.7 billion lawsuit from Smartmatic, another voting system company, as well as suits from shareholders regarding its election coverage.
Biden’s decision to pursue legal action against Fox News reportedly stemmed from the success of previous lawsuits against the network and recent revelations regarding the origins of bribery allegations aired by Fox. The statement from Geragos emphasizes Fox News’s alleged role in perpetuating disinformation and attacking Biden for financial gain.
Hunter Biden has been a frequent subject of Fox News coverage, with thousands of mentions since January 2023, according to Media Matters. The letter specifically addresses Fox’s promotion of bribery allegations by FBI informant Alexander Smirnov, who was indicted in February.
Allegations of Fox News airing intimate images of Biden without authorization are also raised in the letter, claiming a violation of civil rights and copyright law. Additionally, the letter condemns a six-part series titled “The Trial of Hunter Biden” aired in October 2021, accusing Fox News of manipulating facts and distorting truth.
Biden’s legal team is demanding corrections and retractions from Fox News, including on-air statements by prominent television hosts such as Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters, and Maria Bartiromo. The letter also calls for the removal of the aforementioned series from all streaming services.
This legal action coincides with Biden’s upcoming criminal trials on gun charges in Delaware and a tax case expected to begin in August. Biden has pleaded not guilty in both cases.