In a recent legal development in Mississippi, a lawsuit filed by former Governor Phil Bryant against a local news outlet has been dismissed. This lawsuit was in response to allegations that the outlet defamed him through its Pulitzer Prize-winning reports on the misallocation of $77 million in federal welfare funds.
Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills issued a brief ruling, agreeing with the Mississippi Today legal team’s assertion that the outlet’s speech was protected by the constitution. Representing Mississippi Today’s position, the outlet expressed relief over the court’s decision to dismiss the case, considering it a vindication of its journalistic integrity.
The lawsuit, filed by Bryant in 2023, came mere weeks after Mississippi Today and journalist Anna Wolfe received a Pulitzer Prize for uncovering how welfare funds, intended for impoverished residents, ended up benefiting affluent individuals. However, Bryant didn’t contest the factual nature of Wolfe’s investigative series, “The Backchannel.” Instead, his lawyers argued that statements made by the news outlet and its affiliates during public discussions were defamatory.
Mississippi Today’s attorneys countered that the disputed comments on Bryant’s role were “entirely or substantially true.” They contended that Bryant did not demonstrate “actual malice,” a requisite standard for public figures to prove defamation, which requires showing that statements were knowingly false. This legal threshold has been a foundational principle in defamation cases since a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1964.
Bryant’s attorney, William Quin II, announced plans to appeal the judge’s ruling to the Mississippi Supreme Court. Quin remains steadfast, emphasizing the legal and ethical grounds of their case.
In light of the dismissal, the Committee to Protect Journalists applauded the decision, criticizing the attempt to sue the news outlet as a tactic to stifle critical reporting. They believe the case should discourage similar lawsuits aimed at intimidating media organizations.
The scandal at the center of this controversy involved the state’s human services agency distributing funds through nonprofits for projects such as a $5 million volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi. Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre had also agreed to fundraise for this project.
In early 2020, Mississippi Auditor Shad White announced criminal charges against six individuals, including John Davis, a former executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, who had been appointed by Bryant. These charges came shortly after Bryant completed his final term as governor. All involved parties admitted guilt.
While Bryant himself has not faced criminal charges, he maintained that he alerted the auditor to potential misuse of funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program back in 2019.
Favre, also not criminally charged, remains embroiled in a civil lawsuit by the state, demanding reimbursement of funds appropriated through TANF. The state auditor accused Favre of receiving improper speaking fees from a nonprofit, which misspent welfare money. Last year, Favre repaid $1.1 million in fees but still owes nearly $730,000 in interest according to the auditor’s assessment.