United States of America

Protesters Sue Podcaster Benny Johnson

Did Johnson wrongly endanger lives or should his statements be protected as political opinion?

Published 6 days ago

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Above: Benny Johnson attends the daily press briefing at the White House on Aug. 12, 2025. Image credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Spin

Left narrative

Slapping the label "domestic terrorist" on peaceful people who were never charged with anything is a lie that puts real targets on real backs. Influencers who trade access for propaganda should answer for the threats and harassment that follow their posts. Accountability in court is the only check left when the megaphone belongs to the powerful.

Brandy Zadrozny on X MS Now

Right narrative

Punditry is opinion, and dragging a commentator into court over heated political rhetoric is a transparent attempt to silence speech that stings. Defamation law exists for provable falsehoods about named individuals, not for subjective takes on a chaotic protest scene. Letting lawsuits like this proceed would chill anyone who dares describe events in blunt terms.

Liz Mair on X