One America News is threatening to sue Vanity Fair unless it puts out a retraction and apology for accusing the president’s son of being linked with a family who they say purchased a financial stake in the company:
DC EXAMINER – One America News Network is demanding an apology and a retraction from Vanity Fair days after it published an article that said a group with ties to Donald Trump Jr. purchased a large stake in the cable news outlet.
A piece by Vanity Fair’s Gabriel Sherman published on Monday said “the Dallas-based Hicks family has acquired a major stake” in OAN and it was “aligned” with the president’s eldest son. Both Trump Jr. and OAN have pushed back on the story.
Ah Gabriel Sherman – should have guessed.
It continues…
OAN President Charles Herring sent a letter to Sherman and Roger Lynch, the CEO of Conde Nast, Vanity Fair’s parent company, demanding a retraction and an apology. He also threatened litigation.
“The facts are [in]disputable and in direct conflict with your false and defamatory statements. Herring Networks, Inc. has not sold ANY stake in One America News Network or its Company to anyone or any entity, period,” the letter reads. “Further, the Herrings have no agreements in place, written or oral, to sell any stake of its business or interest in OAN to any party.”
“This letter puts you on notice that should you refuse to comply with our demands in an immediate and timely fashion to avoid any further damage to Herring Networks, Inc. and OAN, we will pursue all legal avenues to protect our interests, including damages and attorneys’ fees and costs incurred as a result of your actions,” it concludes.
It’s not just the fake news, but how they framed the story to try and make Trump look bad:
But Trump Jr.’s spokesman, Andrew Surabian, took exception with how Vanity Fair framed the story on social media.
“Trump’s frustration with Fox News has motivated him to look for a more reliable media partner—and thanks to a new deal involving Donald Trump Jr. and OANN, he’s now on the verge of the alternative he wants,” a tweet from the outlet said.
Surabian responded to the original story, calling it garbage:
Should go without saying based on who is on the byline for this story, but just to be clear, as we told Vanity Fair on the record, no Don Jr. isn't part of an investment group looking to buy OANN. Embarrassing @VanityFair even prints this garbage, but anything for clicks I guess! pic.twitter.com/Vbz2wKnO9U
— Andrew Surabian (@Surabees) May 4, 2020