Tucker Carlson Doesn't Have to Tell the Truth
In arguing a slander lawsuit against Fox News host Tucker Carlson, a lawyer for Fox News argued that Carlson does not have an obligation to tell the truth.
Seriously! That is the network’s argument.
Former Playboy model Karen McDougal is suing Carlson for making comments that she claims were slander.
In arguing the case, Fox News' attorney Erin Murphy said, "What we’re talking about here, it’s not the front page of The New York Times, It’s Tucker Carlson Tonight, which is a commentary show.”
While discussing what constitutes reckless disregard for the truth in regard to the actual malice standard, Judge Vyskocil asked Murphy, "Does somebody in Mr. Carlson’s position have the duty of inquiry?"
Murphy replied, "Not as to an actual malice standard. The Supreme Court could not be clearer." She argued malice isn't a negligence standard, and "failure to investigate" the truth of a statement doesn't suffice.
The Fox News lawyer also argued that even if Carlson were aligned with Trump, that's not enough, and you can't reach the actual malice standard "just by saying someone has motive for lying."
In other words, yeah he’s full of shit, and yeah he supports Trump, but it’s not like he is a Journalist. Sadly, what Fox News’s own lawyer says about Tucker Carlson is exactly why no one should watch Tucker Carlson.