Laura Loomer sues Bill Maher for $150M in damages for 'defamatory' claim of affair with Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, DC: Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist and Donald Trump supporter, has taken legal action against comedian Bill Maher and HBO.
Loomer filed a defamation lawsuit in Sumter County, Florida, accusing Maher of making defamatory statements about her during a September 13 episode of his show 'Real Time with Bill Maher'.
The lawsuit stems from Maher’s comments suggesting that Loomer, a former congressional candidate from Florida, was involved in an extramarital affair with former president Trump.
Bill Maher called Laura Loomer to be Donald Trump's 'type'
During the September 13 episode, Bill Maher openly speculated about a potential relationship between Laura Loomer and Donald Trump.
Maher questioned whether Loomer might be in a relationship with Trump for political reasons, saying, “I think maybe Laura Loomer’s in an arranged relationship to affect the election because she’s very close to Trump.”
He added, “She’s 31, looks like his type. We did an editorial here a few years ago… it was basically, who’s Trump f*****g? Because I said, you know, it’s not nobody."
“He’s been a dog for too long, and it’s not Melania. I think we may have our answer this week. I think it might be Laura Loomer,” Maher continued.
Laura Loomer's legal complaint against Bill Maher and damages claim
Laura Loomer is a well-known far-right internet personality, a 9/11 conspiracy theorist once banned from major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for spreading misinformation.
In her lawsuit, she claimed that Maher's statements were false and defamatory, made with “actual malice” or “reckless disregard for the truth," TMZ reported.
In the legal filing, Loomer sought $150 million in damages from Maher and HBO, claiming that they made numerous "false, misleading and defamatory statements” against her.
The lawsuit argues that these statements were made with intent to harm her reputation and were aired despite knowledge of their falsity.
Loomer’s legal team asserts that these statements were made with “actual malice."
Donald Trump on claims of affair with Laura Loomer
Besides Bill Maher's remarks, there were public speculations that Laura Loomer and Donald Trump were close.
Despite the accusations, Trump stated “Laura’s been a supporter of mine, just like a lot of people. She speaks very positively of the campaign. I don’t control Laura, she says what she wants. She’s a free spirit,” during a press conference.
However, after Maher's September 13 comments, Trump slammed him for his ratings a week later on Truth Social calling him a "befuddled mess, sloppy and tired." He called his show "increasingly boring."
Loomer also threatened to sue Maher, calling his assertions "beyond the pale and it’s a complete and blatant lie."
I should sue Bill Maher @billmaher for Defamation.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 14, 2024
This is beyond the pale and it’s a complete and blatant lie.
I have never in my life seen such a coordinated attack by the mainstream
Media, the White House and leftist personalities to target a private citizen and… https://t.co/Nis17vPdPu
Internet in splits over Laura Loomer's lawsuit against Bill Maher
Online sentiment appears to lean towards Laura Loomer for initiating the lawsuit against Bill Maher, though some express skepticism about the result, and others have criticized her for the action.
One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “That is interesting. I don’t think she’s gonna win because free speech would be on his side in this case.”
Others showed support for Loomer’s lawsuit. “Good job Laura! Stuck it to the man! Show these people it’s not a one way street!” wrote one commenter. Another added, "God I hope you win BIG!"
Still, some dismissed her chances, with one saying, "Which will be tossed out by noon Friday." Another chimed in, "Lmfao she is a joke, she is a joke." Someone else penned, "It wasn't a joke-good for Laura."
That is interesting. I don’t think she’s gonna win because free speech would be on his side in this case.
— His Grace GOAT targaryen (@JasonJDaniel) October 22, 2024
Good job Laura! Stuck it to the man! Show these people it’s not a one way street!
— Ryne Hunter (@HunterRyne816) October 22, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.