Federal Judge Dismisses Ray Epps' Defamation Lawsuit Against Fox News

The court ruled that Epps failed to prove Fox News and Tucker Carlson acted with actual malice in spreading conspiracy theories about his role in the January 6 Capitol attack.

Ray Epps, a former Marine and Trump supporter, sued Fox News in 2023, alleging the network falsely portrayed him as an FBI agent inciting the January 6 Capitol riot.
Judge Jennifer L. Hall dismissed the case, stating Epps did not provide sufficient evidence to prove Fox or Tucker Carlson acted with malicious intent.
Epps became a target of far-right conspiracy theories after January 6, leading to harassment, threats, and the sale of his Arizona ranch to relocate for safety.
Fox News celebrated the dismissal, highlighting it as the third recent defamation case decided in its favor, alongside suits from Nina Jankowicz and Tony Bobulinski.
This decision follows Fox's $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems earlier this year over false claims about the 2020 election.