Pilot sues influencer for false accusations after deadly plane crash

In January 2023, a tragic midair collision between a commercial jet and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., resulted in the deaths of 67 people. Shortly after the incident, Matt Wallace, a conservative influencer with a significant following, falsely implicated Jo Ellis, a transgender military pilot, as the pilot of the helicopter involved in the crash. Wallace made several posts on social media suggesting Ellis's involvement, which contributed to the rapid spread of misinformation and caused considerable distress to her and her family. Ellis, who has served over 15 years in the Virginia Army National Guard, stated that these false claims forced her to hire private armed security for her safety due to the online harassment and credible death threats she received following the rumors. She publicly denied the accusations, stating she was not present at the time of the crash and expressing her desire to put an end to the damaging rumors. In response to the harmful campaign, Ellis filed a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Colorado, asserting that Wallace's actions had turned her life upside down. The lawsuit highlights the growing trend of misinformation targeting marginalized groups, especially transgender individuals, and Ellis aims to hold Wallace accountable in a bid to protect her reputation and privacy. Throughout the legal proceedings, Ellis emphasized her intent to donate any monetary compensation won from the lawsuit to the victims' families, showcasing her solidarity amid a devastating situation.