Defamation Lawsuit Filed Against Right-Wing Commentator Over ICE Protest Coverage

Two protesters are suing right-wing commentator Benny Johnson for defamation after he labeled them as "left-wing terrorists" while filming a peaceful demonstration at an Illinois ICE facility in October 2025. Johnson posted videos to multiple social media platforms falsely claiming the protesters had attacked federal officers, content that accumulated millions of views despite neither plaintiff being charged with any crime. The protesters, a Harvard data scientist and court reporter, were detained for approximately eight hours before being released without charges.

The lawsuit centers on Johnson's characterization of the October 2025 protest as violent, despite no criminal charges being filed against either plaintiff. Johnson, a former digital media writer with a documented history of accuracy issues, distributed his account across five major social platforms where it reached substantial audiences. The defendants argue this widespread dissemination of false claims caused measurable harm through online harassment and doxxing attempts by Johnson's followers.

The case highlights the intersection of public protest documentation and social media amplification. Both plaintiffs engaged in lawful demonstration activities—singing, praying, and observing official conduct—before their detention. Their release without charges underscores the disconnect between Johnson's narrative of criminal violence and their actual legal status.