North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s lawsuit against CNN and an individual, Louis Love Money, is shaking up the political scene as gubernatorial race tensions run high.
According to The Center Square, filed in Wake County Superior Court, Robinson’s lawsuit alleges that CNN and Money made false statements and seeks damages of $50 million.
Mark Robinson, a Republican contender for the North Carolina governorship, initiated the lawsuit on a Tuesday morning, asserting that the defendants disseminated unfounded and damaging allegations against him. The legal action is a pivotal development in Robinson's campaign against his Democratic opponent, Attorney General Josh Stein.
The dispute centers on a CNN article published on September 19. This article reported that Robinson made controversial remarks between 2008 and 2012, with CNN claiming the posts were verified through matching personal information and an associated email.
On the article's publication day, Robinson released a video assuring his supporters of his determination to remain in the race. He decried the accusations as untrue representations, attempting to shift focus from the campaign's primary issues.
Robinson criticized media narratives, saying efforts by opponents like CNN focus on misleading stories. He dismisses these as ploys to redirect voter attention from significant campaign topics.
The accusations have broader campaign implications. An Emerson College poll conducted from October 5-8 showed Robinson trailing Stein amid the fallout from this controversy. Robinson has described the media and Money's claims as misleading and damaging.
The legal claim, filed in a Wake County court, contends that the unverified claims negatively impacted Robinson’s public image and campaign prospects, reflected in declining poll numbers. The lawsuit demands no less than $50 million in damages, a sum Robinson contends represents losses incurred due to the allegations.
Representing Robinson is attorney Jesse Binnall and the Binnall Law Group. They are tasked with challenging the evidence and conclusions presented by CNN and defending Robinson's reputation.
Robinson's lawsuit appears as yet another measure to counter what he terms as "salacious tabloid trash" tactics against him. "Let me reassure you," Robinson stated, alleging the claims in CNN's story do not reflect his true character or words.
In addition to general denouncements, Robinson pointedly questioned opponents' motives, rhetorically asking his audience why significant sums are invested against a candidate supposedly unable to win the governorship. He suggests this indicates a recognition of his campaign's strength.
Meanwhile, Robinson expresses steadfastness, emphasizing his commitment to the race and the broader issues at stake for voters. His responses underline a resolve to overcome distractions from campaign priorities.
Discussion within Robinson's camp also touches on the role of political donor Todd Stiefel. Robinson accuses Stiefel of utilizing technology such as artificial intelligence to create fabrications aimed at undermining his candidacy.
Stiefel, allegedly affiliated with Americans for Prosparody, a political action committee, is described as contributing significantly against Robinson. The lawsuit indicates these external factors as part of a concerted effort to influence the gubernatorial contest.
Although the Associated Press has reported on these claims, they have not independently verified CNN's findings, leaving some elements shrouded in ongoing dispute.
As this legal and media battle unfolds, its impact on Robinson's political journey remains uncertain. The allegations and lawsuit add a significant layer of complexity to the upcoming election in North Carolina.
For now, Robinson continues to emphasize transparency, urging voters to remain focused on pressing issues rather than reports which he argues are purposefully sensationalized.
The unfolding legal proceedings will likely attract considerable public and media attention, influencing both Robinson's image and the broader political landscape as the gubernatorial race progresses.
