In the light of the ongoing Donald Trump hush money trial, additional pressure is being put on the National Enquirer by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Judge Judy has recently filed a defamation lawsuit against Accelerate360 Media, the parent company of the Enquirer and InTouch. The long-serving television judge alleges that the publications fabricated stories about her supposed efforts in aiding the Menendez brothers in obtaining a new trial, which she vehemently denies.
According to the Associated Press, Judy announced in a statement, “When you fabricate stories about me in order to make money for yourselves with no regard for the truth or the reputation I’ve spent a lifetime cultivating, it’s going to cost you,When you’ve done it multiple times, it’s unconscionable and will be expensive. It has to be expensive so that you will stop.”
In tandem with this drama, David Pecker, former head of the Enquirer, has been testifying at the high-profile Trump trial. His detailed explanation of the Enquirer’s previous tactics of inventing stories, including the infamous linking of Senator Ted Cruz’s father with the Kennedy assassination, is currently in the limelight. NBC News reported on these revelations.
While Pecker is no longer in charge of the tabloid, Judge Judy’s timing in filing her lawsuit appears strategic in relation to the defamation of the defendant’s reputation during a globally significant trial.
The defamation suit filed by Judge Judy against the Enquirer and its parent company showcases a timely fight against false reporting in an era of increasing scrutiny of journalistic integrity.
More details can be found in the full AP piece, ‘Judge Judy’ Sheindlin sues for defamation over National Enquirer, InTouch Weekly stories.