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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.

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.