Judge Dismisses Santos' Lawsuit Over Kimmel Video

Disgraced former congressman George Santos experienced a significant legal defeat on Monday when a federal judge dismissed his lawsuit against late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Santos, who is 36, had filed the lawsuit after Kimmel requested Cameo videos from him under a pseudonym, alleging that Kimmel engaged in “deliberate deception and wrongful appropriation” by broadcasting the videos on his ABC show. The lawsuit claimed multiple offenses, including copyright infringement and breach of contract, with Santos seeking $750,000 in damages. Kimmel, 56, responded to the lawsuit by labeling it “preposterous” during his show, asserting that the request for Cameo videos was a supportive gesture. He filed a motion to dismiss the suit in June, which was ultimately granted by District Judge Denise Cote. In her 27-page ruling, Judge Cote stated that Kimmel’s use of the videos fell under the “fair use” clause of copyright law, emphasizing that the content was used for political commentary regarding Santos’s controversial past. In a separate legal matter, Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal case in New York on the same day. Expressing remorse, he stated, “I deeply regret my conduct” as he entered his plea in a Long Island courtroom. Santos is scheduled for sentencing on February 7, where he faces over six years in prison and is required to pay at least $370,000 in restitution.