US EditionFormer Governor’s Lawsuit Against Mississippi Today Revived
All seven justices said Bryant alleged enough facts for the case to proceed, sending the dispute back to Madison County for more hearings.
- On Thursday, the Mississippi Supreme Court unanimously revived former Governor Phil Bryant's defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today, reversing a 2025 lower court dismissal that had ended the case.
- Bryant's 2023 lawsuit alleges that Mississippi Today and reporter Anna Wolfe defamed him in their investigation into the misdirection of at least $77 million in welfare funds, falsely accusing him of embezzling money.
- Seven justices ruled the lower court erred in dismissing the complaint, finding it sufficiently alleged "actual malice," a critical legal standard for public figures. The term appeared 23 times in Bryant's filing.
- Billy Quin, an attorney for Bryant, stated the decision confirms "the rule of law still means something" in Mississippi. Mississippi Today maintains its Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage represents the "very best of American journalism."
- The case now heads back to Madison County for "proceedings consistent" with the Supreme Court's opinion. While seven people pleaded guilty to welfare scandal crimes, Bryant has not been charged by state or federal authorities.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Mississippi Supreme Court Revives Ex-Gov. Phil Bryant’s Lawsuit Over Welfare Scandal Reporting
The Mississippi Supreme Court has revived former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s defamation lawsuit against nonprofit news site Mississippi Today over its welfare scandal reporting, putting the case on track to go before a Madison County jury. The post Mississippi Supreme Court Revives Ex-Gov. Phil Bryant’s Defamation Lawsuit Over Welfare Scandal Reporting appeared first on Mississippi Free Press.
Former governor’s defamation suit back on, following Supreme Court decision
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A former governor’s defamation suit is back on, following a ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court. On Thursday, the court reversed Madison County Circuit Judge Bradley Mills’ decision to dismiss former Gov. Phil Bryant and Deborah Bryant’s defamation suit filed against Mississippi Today, in connection with the publication’s coverage of the state’s largest welfare scandal. [READ: Judge tosses former governor’s defamation…
Mississippi Supreme Court revives former Gov. Phil Bryant's defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today
In an opinion written by Justice Josiah Coleman, the justices determined that a “trial is the forum to resolve factual inconsistencies and the weight accorded conflicting facts and allegations,” instead of a judge dismissing the complaint.
Bryant defamation case against Mississippi Today revived by Mississippi Supreme Court
The Mississippi Supreme Court overturned a lower court’s dismissal of former Gov. Phil Bryant’s defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today, allowing the case to move forward.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
