Kevin O’Leary Sued Over Defamation Claims in Utah

Kevin O’Leary faces a defamation lawsuit for claims linking data center critics in Utah to China, provoking strong reactions.

Kevin O’Leary, a notable figure on television’s “Shark Tank,” is currently facing a defamation lawsuit stemming from comments he made about individuals opposing a data center in Utah. The lawsuit was initiated by a collective known as the Alliance for a Better Utah, alongside Elevate Strategies and two key individuals: Gabrielle Finlayson and Josh Kanter.

The complaint alleges that O’Leary, during an appearance on Fox News, asserted that some protesters against the data center had connections to China. The suit highlights the damaging consequences of his accusations, claiming that the plaintiffs have experienced “devastating reputational harm,” severe emotional distress, and continuing threats to their safety since his statements.

According to the lawsuit, Fox News played a vital role in disseminating O’Leary’s claims, as they featured him in multiple segments, further amplifying his allegations without offering any context or verification. The legal documents state, “Fox was instrumental in O’Leary’s defamatory smear campaign, putting him on air to attack Plaintiffs five times in three weeks.”
Fox News Media has responded to the lawsuit, asserting that they have addressed the issues raised by O’Leary’s comments on every program where he appeared, aiming to correct the record. They stated, “We will vigorously defend against this lawsuit.” Meanwhile, O’Leary’s representatives have not provided any immediate comments regarding the matter.

In response to the backlash, O’Leary took to social media to clarify his earlier statements. He acknowledged that he has “no evidence” to support his allegations linking the Alliance for a Better Utah and the other mentioned individuals to funding from China or affiliations with the Chinese Communist Party. This clarification followed an earlier statement released by Fox News, which also expressed regret regarding his unfounded claims.

This situation indicates growing tension surrounding data center projects in Utah, as community members express concerns ranging from environmental impacts to economic implications. As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties are likely to present their cases in the court, shedding light on the broader implications of such high-profile defamation claims in the evolving discussion surrounding technology and infrastructure investment.