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5mo ago

Transgender Pilot Sues Influencer for Defamation Over False Crash Allegations

Jo Ellis, a National Guard pilot, has filed a lawsuit against Matt Wallace, accusing him of spreading baseless claims linking her to a fatal January crash in Washington, D.C.

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Jo Ellis sued a right-wing social media influencer, alleging defamation after he spread false rumors she was involved in the Washington, D.C. plane crash in January. The transgender pilot had previously spoken out about fears that President Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender service members could impact her.
Jo Ellis created a "proof of life" video after false claims on social media linked her to the plane crash near Reagan National Airport in January.
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Overview

  • Jo Ellis, a transgender Black Hawk pilot in the Virginia Army National Guard, filed a federal defamation lawsuit in Colorado against right-wing influencer Matt Wallace.
  • Wallace falsely claimed Ellis was responsible for the January 29 mid-air collision over the Potomac River that killed 67 people, labeling it a 'trans terror attack.'
  • The lawsuit alleges Wallace monetized the false narrative, which went viral, causing Ellis to face death threats, harassment, and the need for armed security.
  • Ellis posted a 'proof of life' video on January 31 to debunk the claims, but the damage to her reputation and safety was already substantial.
  • The case highlights broader concerns about the exploitation of social media for spreading misinformation and the targeting of transgender individuals in politically charged narratives.