Ex-Trump adviser settles $100 million defamation suit
As questions swirl about his credibility, former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone settled a defamation suit seeking $100 million in damages on Monday for publishing false and misleading statements on InfoWars.com, a far-right website known for promoting conspiracy theories.
The agreement requires Stone to run ads in national newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, apologizing for making defamatory statements about a Chinese businessman who is a vocal critic of Beijing. It also requires Stone to publish a retraction of the false statements on social media. Doing so exempts him from paying any of the damages.
In a text message, Stone described his conduct as “irresponsible” and added that “I am solely responsible for fulfilling the terms of the settlement.”
Unrelated to the Russia probe, the settlement is the latest indication that Stone’s use of various media platforms to spread unfounded claims isn’t without consequences. Special counsel Robert Mueller’s office is investigating Stone’s role in orchestrating stories about key events being examined in the Russia probe, the Journal has reported.