Patrick Reed Ordered to Pay Legal Fees After Failed Defamation Lawsuit

Judge rules Reed's lawsuit, against media outlets and reporters critical of his association with LIV Golf, was an attempt to stifle free speech.

Golfer Patrick Reed, who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit, filed a $750 million defamation lawsuit against multiple media outlets and reporters, claiming they conspired with the PGA Tour to defame him.
The lawsuit was dismissed twice by U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, who stated that Reed brought the meritless lawsuits in order to stifle free speech.
On January 5, 2024, Judge Corrigan ordered Reed to pay the legal fees for each defendant, indicating that Reed's legal actions ultimately backfired.
Among the defendants were Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee and Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press, who have been critical of Reed's association with LIV Golf and the controversies that have beleaguered his career.
Chamblee and the other defendants have until January 24, 2024, to file a motion regarding legal fees and costs, and Reed will have until February 23, 2024, to respond and pay the legal bills associated with the lawsuit.