Raymond Epps, who is allegedly a former follower of Donald Trump, has lodged a defamation legal action against Fox News, contending that the network falsely depicted him as a scapegoat for the U.S. Capitol riot that occurred on January 6, 2021, as he believes that Fox News, and Tucker Carlson more specifically alleged that Epps was a federal agent, who attempted to fan the flames of the protest and make it violent on the behalf of federal agents. Epps argues that Fox News branded him a government operative who instigated trouble and attributed it to Trump supporters. The lawsuit was filed in Delaware’s Superior Court and requests unspecified compensation and a trial by jury.
The situation surrounding Epps is intricate and necessitates a comprehensive understanding. Epps’s involvement in the protest elicited diverse reactions, particularly from the January 6th committee Democrats. Initially, they regarded Epps as another Q-Anon Shaman and advocated for his incarceration alongside the others. However, the narrative inexplicably shifted overnight. Instead of accusing Epps of being a violent seditionist, they curiously began shielding him. Astonishingly, even after 2.5 years since January 6th, Epps remains uncharged, despite his name and whereabouts being widely known for the same duration.
There are two plausible scenarios: either he operated as a federal agent or informant, although this remains unverified, or he was treated in a manner reminiscent of one.
On January 5th, the day preceding the protest, Epps was observed in close proximity to the Capitol in Washington DC. Recorded statements capture him saying,
“We need to go into the Capitol,” Adding, “It’s in that direction.”
The following day, January 6th, Epps was identified atop scaffolding, vociferously exclaiming:
“We need to fill up the Capitol.”
Why is Ray Epps not behind bars for inciting people to enter the Capitol?#RayEpps pic.twitter.com/zgRQqF8kqu
— •Ɛɱɱყ• (@brixwe) July 12, 2023
The lawsuit accentuates Fox News host Tucker Carlson as the chief disseminator of the conspiracy theory encircling Epps. It alleges that Carlson consistently disseminated inaccurate details to his audience, disregarding evidence that contradicted the prevailing narrative. While Carlson is not directly implicated as a defendant in the lawsuit, Epps’ legal representative maintains that Fox News bears complete responsibility for Carlson’s statements since he was an employee of the network when he made defamatory comments about Epps.
Epps maintains that the deceptive representation by Fox News has resulted in him and his spouse enduring harassment and death threats from Trump supporters. They assert that they were compelled to sell their prosperous wedding venue enterprise in Arizona and are presently residing in a mobile home in Utah, facing severe financial hardship, however, any evidence of these claims has been made available at this time.
