Pilot Sues Influencer Over Viral False Accusation in Helicopter Crash
Written by Site Hub on April 10, 2025
Jo Ellis, a transgender National Guard pilot and Iraq War veteran, is suing influencer Matt Wallace for defamation after he falsely identified her as the pilot in a deadly helicopter-passenger jet collision in January. The crash killed 67 people, and Ellis was wrongly targeted on X (formerly Twitter), sparking a viral conspiracy linking her identity to the tragedy. Despite Ellis posting a “proof of life” video, the misinformation continued, prompting her to take legal action. Filed in U.S. District Court, the lawsuit seeks damages and aims to hold Wallace accountable for spreading falsehoods that upended her life and endangered her safety. Legal experts say the case reflects a growing trend of using defamation law to combat digital disinformation, especially targeting marginalized groups.
Source: NYTimes
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