Jonathan Turley issued a stark warning regarding Rosie O’Donnell’s comments on President Donald Trump, highlighting a potential defamation lawsuit against the former TV host. O’Donnell, who has made her home in Ireland since the last election, recently referred to Trump as a “rapist” in a TikTok video. Turley noted that while O’Donnell’s criticism of Trump is an example of her exercising free speech, her latest statements might have ventured into defamatory territory.
In the TikTok video, O’Donnell asked her audience, “Did you think in a million years that they would re-elect a man who orchestrated an insurrection against the government?” She continued with accusations regarding Trump’s alleged past behaviors, claiming he has “charges of sex abuse” and referring to him as an “adjudicated rapist.” This language could prove decisive in a court of law, as Turley emphasized that the use of the term “adjudicated” could imply a level of legal confirmation of guilt, something Trump has vigorously disputed.
Turley pointed out relevant legal precedents, citing that Trump has previously pursued legal action over similar accusations. This context amplifies the stakes for O’Donnell. The recent court ruling in the E. Jean Carroll case, while confirming aspects of Carroll’s claims, did not legally label Trump as a rapist. Turley underscored that Trump, despite the jury’s finding, was not “adjudicated” as such in a criminal context. He pointed to the care with which media outlets navigate these accusations, noting that MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” had to retract its statements characterizing Trump similarly, illustrating the risks and repercussions tied to such labels.
The crux of Turley’s analysis hinges on the categorization of O’Donnell’s comment as potentially defamatory. He argued that without credible evidence to back her claims, she risks being viewed as recklessly disregarding the truth. The reach that her comments can achieve on social media further heightens the possibility of significant damages should a defamation suit go forward.
In summary, Rosie O’Donnell’s remarks provide both a platform for her views and a potential legal quagmire. As Turley cautioned, her assertion may well invite Trump to take legal recourse if she cannot substantiate her accusations, raising crucial questions about accountability, free speech, and the limits of public expression. O’Donnell’s comments echo a broader sentiment about political figures and accountability, yet they simultaneously expose her to the very risks of retribution in the legal arena.
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