Sarah Palin Ends Nine-Year Legal Battle Against The New York Times
Sarah Palin has quietly withdrawn her defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, bringing to a close a nine-year legal saga that began in 2017. The former Republican governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential nominee agreed in a stipulation to drop the libel case without providing a reason and "without costs or attorneys' fees."
The Origins of the Controversial Editorial
The legal dispute stemmed from an op-ed published by The Times' former opinion editor, James Bennet, in response to the 2017 shooting of Congressman Steve Scalise. Scalise was injured when left-wing activist James T. Hodgkinson opened fire during practice for the annual Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia.
Bennet's editorial board wrote that Palin's Political Action Committees had contributed to an atmosphere of violence that led to the 2011 shooting of Arizona Representative Gabby Giffords. The piece faced immediate backlash, prompting The Times to issue a correction less than fourteen hours later.
Legal Proceedings and Emotional Testimony
Palin sued the publication in June 2017, accusing it of knowingly publishing false statements about her and seeking $75,000 in damages. She claimed the article damaged her reputation and standing as a political commentator.
In February 2022, a jury ruled in favor of The Times, with US District Judge Jed S. Rakoff stating he intended to dismiss the case because Palin hadn't met the legal burden of proving "actual malice." Palin appealed, and in August 2024, a three-judge panel vacated the ruling and ordered a retrial, citing errors by Judge Rakoff.
The case returned to court in April 2025, where Bennet gave emotional testimony, stating he "blew it" when publishing the piece. "I did, and I do apologize to Governor Palin for this mistake," Bennet said in court. Judge Rakoff called a recess during proceedings, describing Bennet's apology as "heartfelt" and "moving."
Palin's Response and Final Ruling
Palin appeared unimpressed by the apology, telling reporters outside the courthouse: "Let's see, how many years ago was the untruth?" Despite Bennet's emotional testimony, which reportedly led an attorney to bring him tissues, Palin lost the defamation case again after a jury found The Times did not libel her.
Following the ruling, Palin posted on social media: "We didn't prevail in federal court against the New York Times. But please keep fighting for integrity in media. I'll keep asking the press to quit making things up. Keep the faith."
The Contentious Editorial Details
The original article, titled "America's Lethal Politics," claimed Palin's PAC had contributed to the 2011 assassination attempt on Gabby Giffords by circulating a map of electoral districts that placed Giffords and nineteen other Democrats under stylized crosshairs. The editorial drew connections between this alleged atmosphere of violence and the subsequent 2017 shooting of Steve Scalise.
Although the piece remains online today, it now includes clarification that "no connection to the shooting was ever established" regarding Giffords' case. The Times' correction noted the editorial had "incorrectly stated that a link existed between political rhetoric and the 2011 shooting" and had "incorrectly described" the map as depicting individual lawmakers rather than electoral districts.
Withdrawal and Future Proceedings
It's understood that Palin withdrew her April 2025 appeal after the court directed her to do so, allowing both parties to mediate the issues in court. The Times expects Palin's lawsuit to proceed after mediation, with Palin having until April 10 to reinstate it according to sources.
The Daily Mail has contacted both Palin and The New York Times for comment on this development in the long-drawn-out legal battle that has spanned nearly a decade.
