Phoenix, Arizona — A federal judge has dismissed Raymond Epps’ defamation lawsuit against Fox News for a second time, ending his latest attempt to seek damages over Jan. 6 conspiracy claims aired by the network.
U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall in Delaware ruled Friday that Epps, a former Marine and former Donald Trump supporter, did not provide enough evidence to show Fox News knew the statements aired about him were false. Epps alleged that Fox promoted claims falsely portraying him as a government plant who helped provoke the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
The lawsuit focused heavily on segments from Tucker Carlson’s former prime-time program, where Epps said the theories were repeatedly promoted. Epps argued the coverage led to harassment and death threats, forcing him and his wife to sell their Arizona ranch and move into a recreational vehicle.
Hall previously dismissed the case in 2024 but allowed Epps to amend and refile. In the new ruling, she said the revised case still fell short of the legal standard required for defamation.
Fox News said it was pleased with the ruling, calling it a First Amendment victory. Epps pleaded guilty to a Jan. 6 misdemeanor, received probation, and was later pardoned by Trump.
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