Mark Robinson sues CNN for $50 million over defamation claims
- North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN for $50 million, claiming the network published false information about him.
- The lawsuit alleges that CNN ignored evidence of data breaches related to Robinson's personal information before publishing their report.
- Robinson's campaign has faced significant fallout from the report, including staff departures and a perceived decline in support from key political figures.
In October 2024, North Carolina's Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN, seeking $50 million in damages. The lawsuit stems from a report that accused Robinson of making racist and homophobic comments on a pornographic forum. Robinson contends that CNN published the article without considering that his personal data had been compromised in previous breaches, which he claims undermines the credibility of the allegations against him. Robinson's attorney, Jesse Binnall, stated that the lawsuit aims to hold CNN accountable for what they describe as a 'high-tech lynching.' The legal team believes that the report was part of a broader effort to interfere with Robinson's election campaign. They have indicated that they will use subpoena power to investigate further and uncover any additional parties involved in the alleged interference. The consequences of the CNN report have been significant for Robinson's campaign. Following its release, several staff members resigned, and the campaign has been characterized as toxic by political opponents. Notably, former President Donald Trump has not appeared with Robinson since the report was published, which may indicate a shift in political dynamics in North Carolina. As the lawsuit progresses, it will be crucial to observe how it impacts Robinson's political future and whether it leads to any broader discussions about media accountability and the handling of personal data in reporting.