Mississippi judge delivers striking verdict on defamation lawsuit filed against news outlet over Brett Favre reportage
A Mississippi judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit tied to the Brett Favre welfare scandal, rejecting former Governor Phil Bryant’s claims against nonprofit news outlet Mississippi Today.
The case, which centered on Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the state’s $77 million welfare fraud scandal, was thrown out by Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills on Friday, as reported by ESPN.
Bryant had sued the outlet nearly two years ago, arguing that its investigative series falsely portrayed his involvement in the scandal. The five-part report, titled The Backchannel, detailed how federal welfare funds were allegedly misused during Bryant’s tenure, with NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre's name frequently appearing in the coverage.
Favre, who was never criminally charged, was accused in a civil suit of receiving millions from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
A portion of those funds, over $5 million, was allegedly directed to build a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre’s daughter played and which also happens to be his alma mater.
The lawsuit against Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization based in Ridgeland, Mississippi, raised concerns over press freedom. A ruling against the outlet could have forced it to reveal confidential sources or face potential contempt charges.
However, Judge Mills' decision ensures that reporter Anna Wolfe and editor Adam Ganucheau won’t face such consequences for now.
In response, Mississippi Today celebrated the ruling, calling it a win for the First Amendment. Their legal counsel, Lee Crain, labeled the lawsuit "baseless" and emphasized that the reporting was “exactly the kind of journalism the Constitution was designed to protect.”
Bryant’s attorney, Billy Quinn, issued a statement saying the legal battle is not over. He confirmed plans to appeal the decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court, insisting that the former governor still believes in the strength of his case.
Key details regarding Brett Favre and the Mississippi welfare scandal
The Brett Favre welfare scandal stems from one of the largest public embezzlement cases in Mississippi history.
The state’s Department of Human Services alleges that tens of millions in federal funds meant for impoverished families were redirected to pet projects with political and personal connections.
Favre became a central figure in the controversy after text messages and other documents revealed his communication with officials, including Phil Bryant, regarding funding for the Southern Miss volleyball center.
While Favre has repeatedly denied knowing the funds were intended for welfare recipients, his involvement drew significant public and media attention.
Mississippi Today's series brought these details to light, relying on public records and communications between key players without using anonymous sources. Reporter Anna Wolfe's in-depth work later earned her the Pulitzer Prize, the highest honor in journalism.
The backlash from those named in the reports led to multiple lawsuits.
Brett Favre sued sports commentators Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee for defamation in 2023. The case against Sharpe was dismissed, while Favre voluntarily dropped the suit against McAfee.
The ruling may have given closure for now, but with an appeal on the horizon and Brett Favre’s name still entangled in civil proceedings, the broader story remains unfinished.