At a Glance
- A Florida judge denied John Legere’s attempt to dismiss a $100m defamation suit.
- The suit was filed by businessman Grant Cardone, who is connected to Donald Trump’s circle.
- The defamation suit claims Legere attacked Cardone’s business, political, and religious beliefs on social media.
- The case underscores the complex interactions between corporate leaders and political figures.
Florida Judge Denies Dismissal
A Florida judge, Will Thomas, has ruled against John Legere, the former CEO of T-Mobile, in his attempt to dismiss a $100 million defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by Grant Cardone, a businessman with strong ties to Donald Trump’s circle, adding a political dimension to the case. The decision emphasizes the legal weight the lawsuit carries and Legere’s compelled participation in the court proceedings.
Cardone initiated legal action in January, alleging that Legere made false and harmful statements about his business and beliefs on social media platforms like Clubhouse and Twitter in 2023. According to Cardone, Legere’s comments were not only defamatory but driven by actual malice, resulting in substantial financial harm—claims that will be scrupulously examined as the lawsuit progresses.
Allegations and Claims
The defamation suit hinges on multiple accusations, including that Legere labeled Cardone a “bullshit artist” and questioned his net worth during public discussions. These remarks, according to the lawsuit, targeted Cardone’s business reputation and his political and religious beliefs, pushing the scope of alleged defamation far beyond simple business commentary.
Cardone also asserts that he warned Legere about potential legal repercussions if the defamatory remarks continued. Unheeding, Legere allegedly persisted, prompting Cardone to follow through with the lawsuit, claiming a $100 million loss due to the defamatory statements.
Still shocked by what happened in Pennsylvania yesterday and the horrific attempt on the life of Former President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/lvLl1Vc0vs
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) July 14, 2024
Connections to Trump and Broader Implications
Grant Cardone’s extensive connections to Donald Trump and his role as a New York Times bestselling author who appeared on “Undercover Billionaire,” add further layers of interest to the case. Following Trump’s legal troubles, Cardone and his wife organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Trump’s legal fees, raising over $2 million. This act reinforced his position within Trump’s support network, highlighting the interconnected nature of business and political alliances.
The significance of this case among Trump’s advisers and allies cannot be overstated. For many within this camp, the lawsuit embodies a tactical necessity for conservatives to counteract any perceived slanders against their prominent figures and supporters.
John Legere’s anticipated testimony will likely bring critical insights into the motivations and ethos behind the alleged defamatory statements. His reputation as an influential corporate leader adds a significant weight to his words, potentially influencing the legal battle’s outcome.
Sources
Former T-Mobile chief denied bid to dismiss $100m defamation suit from Trump ally
