Judge Judy Sheindlin filed a lawsuit against the parent company of the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly for publishing a story that falsely claimed she was trying to help the Menendez brothers get a retrial after being convicted of murdering their parents. The story, titled “Inside Judge Judy’s Quest to Save the Menendez Brothers Nearly 35 Years After Their Parents’ Murder,” was first published on InTouch Weekly’s website on April 10 and later appeared in the National Enquirer, both owned by Accelerate360 Media. Sheindlin denied any involvement in the case and speculated that the news outlets used statements from a Fox Nation docuseries by “Judi Ramos” and attributed them to her.
Accelerate360 Media did not immediately respond to the lawsuit. Sheindlin, who did not specify a requested amount for damages, emphasized that fabricating stories about her for profit without regards for the truth or her reputation would result in consequences. She stated, “When you’ve done it multiple times, it’s unconscionable and will be expensive. It has to be expensive so that you will stop.” Sheindlin, known for hosting the syndicated “Judge Judy” until 2021 and now hosting “Judy Justice,” has previously experienced negative encounters with the Enquirer in 2017 when they retracted and apologized for false stories about her health and personal life.
The Menendez murders in 1989 in Beverly Hills, California received significant attention in tabloid media and were the focus of various news stories and docuseries over the years. Sheindlin’s lawsuit claims that the story published by the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly inaccurately portrayed her involvement in the Menendez case. Sheindlin clarified that she had no connection to the case and that the information presented in the article was falsely attributed to her, causing damage to her reputation and integrity.
Sheindlin’s decision to sue the media outlets is a response to what she perceives as a violation of journalistic ethics and a disregard for her privacy and professional image. The lawsuit highlights the potential consequences of spreading false information about public figures and the importance of upholding journalistic standards. Sheindlin’s statement regarding the lawsuit emphasizes the impact of inaccurate reporting on individuals’ lives and reputations, as well as the need for accountability in media organizations that profit from sensationalized stories at the expense of truth and integrity.
The lawsuit against Accelerate360 Media underscores Sheindlin’s commitment to protecting her reputation and holding media outlets accountable for inaccurate reporting. By filing the lawsuit, Sheindlin seeks to address the harm caused by false information and prevent further dissemination of fabricated stories that could damage her credibility and public image. The case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of publishing untrue stories about public figures and the responsibility of media organizations to accurately report information without compromising individuals’ reputations.
Overall, Sheindlin’s lawsuit against the National Enquirer and InTouch Weekly highlights the challenges public figures face in dealing with false information spread by media organizations. The lawsuit serves as a signal to media outlets about the importance of fact-checking and upholding journalistic standards to avoid legal repercussions for damaging individuals’ reputations. Sheindlin’s actions reflect her determination to defend her integrity and reputation against false narratives and hold those responsible for spreading misinformation accountable.
