Eric Bolling, on-air host for Fox News, has initiated a lawsuit against Huffington Post’s contributing writer Yashar Ali.
Ali, citing numerous anonymous sources, recently reported that Bolling sent lewd text messages that included photographs of male genitalia to female colleagues at Fox two years ago, reports Politico. Bolling was suspended the next day and Fox News’ law firm Paul Weiss launched an investigation. That firm also handled the probes into Fox’s former host Bill O’Reilly and former chairman Roger Ailes.
After the story ran, Bolling released a statement through his lawyer that he “recalls no such inappropriate communications, does not believe he sent any such communications, and will vigorously pursue his legal remedies for any false and defamatory accusations that are made,” writes Politico.
Bolling is seeking $50 million in damages for defamation. On Wednesday, Bolling filed a “summons with notice” in New York State Supreme Court against Ali. Ali must respond within 20 days, demanding that Bolling file a complaint. Then, Bolling has 20 days to file said complaint before the suit can progress.
Ali plans to fight the case, says Politico.
“I stand by my reporting and will protect my sources, especially the victims, at all costs,” Ali said in a statement.
Huffington Post stands by their writer, and called Ali a “careful and meticulous reporter.” They released a statement on Wednesday saying that they will support Ali—who is a paid freelancer under contract—financially during the suit.
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