Murdoch's News Corp. Seeks to Block Trump's $10 Billion Libel Lawsuit Over Epstein Report

Murdoch Calls Trump's Epstein Suit 'Affront' to Free Speech Rupert Murdoch and News Corp. have asked a US judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion libel lawsuit over a Wall Street Journal report tying him to a bawdy birthday note sent to the late Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. In a filing submitted Monday in federal court in Miami, lawyers for the 94-year-old News Corp. chairman emeritus argued that the July 17 story about the note bearing Trump's signature and a sketch of a naked woman is true and does not defame the president's character. The lawsuit was filed on July 18, as Trump faced criticism over the government's handling of documents related to Epstein. "This meritless lawsuit threatens to chill the speech of those who dare to publish content that the President does not like," Murdoch and News Corp. said in the filing. "By its very nature, this affront to the First Amendment must be dismissed." The Wall Street Journal report was part of a larger investigation into Epstein's relationships with powerful men, including Trump. The story sparked controversy, with some accusing the president of hypocrisy for his association with Epstein. Trump's lawsuit accuses Murdoch, News Corp., and Dow Jones Co., the publisher of the Wall Street Journal, of maligning his character. However, lawyers for Murdoch and News Corp. argue that the report was a legitimate news story that did not contain any false information. "This is a classic case of a public figure trying to use the courts to silence criticism," said one media law expert, who wished to remain anonymous. "The First Amendment protects journalists from lawsuits like this, which are designed to intimidate and chill free speech." The lawsuit has sparked debate over the limits of free speech and the role of the press in holding public figures accountable. As the case continues, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on Murdoch's request to dismiss the suit. A decision is expected in the coming weeks. Background: The Epstein scandal has been a major story in recent months, with many prominent men accused of having relationships with the late financier. Trump was among those named in the Wall Street Journal report, which sparked widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency from the government. Additional perspectives: "This lawsuit is a clear attempt to silence the press and prevent them from doing their job," said a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We stand with journalists like the Wall Street Journal in defending their right to free speech." "The First Amendment protects all forms of expression, including news reporting," said a spokesperson for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. "We will continue to defend the rights of journalists to report on public figures without fear of reprisal." Current status: The case is ongoing, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Fortune.*