Sun Owner Sues

Baltimore Sun owner sues Maryland governor over Epstein, Trump claims

David D. Smith claims Maryland Governor Wes Moore falsely claimed Smith said the Baltimore Sun’s goal is “to do Donald Trump’s work.”

By Sydney Haulenbeek, courthousenews.com

FILE - Maryland Democrat Wes Moore talks to reporters on June 6, 2022 in Owings Mills, Md., after a Democratic primary debate for governor of Maryland. One of the best opportunities for Democrats to regain a governor’s office this year is in Maryland, and the race to succeed term-limited Republican Larry Hogan has drawn a crowd of candidates. (AP Photo/Brian Witte, File)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CN) — The owner of the Baltimore Sun filed suit against Maryland Governor Wes Moore Friday, claiming Moore defamed him and falsely said he was affiliated with Jeffrey Epstein.

Businessman David D. Smith says in a 12-page lawsuit that Moore defamed him in June when he appeared on the MS NOW television program “The Weeknight.” Smith accuses the Democratic governor of falsely claiming Smith said “the job of the Sun is to do Donald Trump’s work” and that he bought the Baltimore Sun “to do Donald Trump’s work and to spread his message.”

Moore also added that Smith “is a person who was … invested in by Jeffrey Epstein,” Smith said in his suit.

Moore didn’t identify a source for any of these comments during the show, Smith says, and has declined to apologize or recant his comments. The newspaper owner claims the association with Epstein — a convicted sexual predator — has damaged his reputation and exposed him to public contempt.

“The statement associated Smith with Jeffrey Epstein in a manner reasonably calculated to damage Smith’s personal and professional reputation,” he says in the suit. “Smith has never had any personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Smith has never knowingly conducted business with Jeffrey Epstein. Smith has never knowingly FINISH READING HERE

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