Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin testified in a defamation trial on Monday, expressing that a 2017 editorial by The New York Times on gun control was profoundly damaging to her reputation. The trial, held in a Manhattan federal court, involves Palin’s libel claims against the newspaper, where she seeks unspecified damages for the editorial’s impact.
The editorial in question was published following the wounding of U.S. Representative Steve Scalise during a shooting at a congressional baseball practice. The piece suggested that Palin’s political action committee had contributed to a climate of violence prior to the 2011 mass shooting in Arizona, which left former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords severely injured and six others dead. The committee had circulated a map with stylized crosshairs over certain electoral districts, including those of Giffords and 19 other Democrats.
Although The New York Times issued a correction shortly after, clarifying that there was no established link between Palin’s rhetoric and the shooting, Palin argued that the newspaper’s correction failed to address her directly or repair her public image. She contended that the editorial from such a prominent publication severely undermined her reputation.
Following her testimony, Palin expressed gratitude for having the chance to speak and confidence in the jury’s forthcoming decision. She remains hopeful for justice and accountability within the press.
During the trial, former Times editorial page editor James Bennet testified, apologizing to Palin for the erroneous information included in the editorial. He expressed deep regret over the mistake and the distress it caused.
In February 2022, a jury initially ruled against Palin’s libel claims; however, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan later revived the case, citing procedural errors made by the trial judge.
