George Zimmerman, who is accused of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, has filed suit against NBC for defamation, claiming that the network intentionally edited the audio of his 911 call to make him appear as a “racist, predatory villain.”
NBC aired the audio three times on its “Today” program, leaving out a direct question from the 911 operator about Martin’s race, leaving in only Zimmerman’s response: “He looks black.”
NBC has said it will fight the suit, saying that the network did not intend to portray Zimmerman unfairly.
NBC responds to suit: "There was no intent to portray Zimmerman unfairly. We intend to vigorously defend our position." http://t.co/QY8a4cGd
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 6, 2012
It will be interesting to hear why NBC decided to edit the 911 call as it did if not to change the public’s perception.
Zimmerman can win if a NBC journalist admits under oath they knew they edited piece in a way that cast him in negative light. #trayvon
— Matt J. Duffy (@mattjduffy) December 6, 2012
To win libel suit you must show that report was 1) false 2) disseminated 3) caused injury. Zimmerman can do all three.
— Matt J. Duffy (@mattjduffy) December 6, 2012
The suit calls NBC’s selective editing and broadcast of the call “journalistic crimes” that transformed Zimmerman “into one of the most hated men in America.” Twitchy earlier has reported on the numerous death threats against Zimmerman, and it seems as though his trial is taking place not only in the media but on social media as well.
@melissabeck It should read – "Due to Zimmerman being a lying, racist, child murderer, shitbag, he's now the most hated man in America."
— Tahlia (Tah-ly-yuh) (@tahliab) December 6, 2012
@CNN where is Zimmerman's shame? Trying to cash in at any angle? It was horrible and unjust what transpired. Deal with consequences.
— SYG (@DontStart09) December 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/justus4all/status/276824429915414528
George Zimmerman wants more money eh?
— Npha (@DJNphared) December 6, 2012
Today's "George Zimmerman is a Racist Shit-Eating Cockwaffle" Update: he's suing NBC for defamation! http://t.co/j1RSY5QZ
— BrokeBoy Never Young Again (@jrpound) December 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/JuanpiDelRio/status/276821677038514177
@nytimes I'm sorry what? Get outta town with that pls. #SMH Aint nobody responsible for the defamation of Zimmerman more the coward himself.
— Rebecca Memsaab ツ (@voiceswriter) December 6, 2012
https://twitter.com/theLDCshow/status/276822853582745601
Zimmerman has supporters online as well, at least in his suit against NBC.
#NBC keeps splicing tapes like they like 2 do, they will have more suits than from #Zimmerman. #LiberalMedia
NoRealJournalism— Marci (@MarciaCM1) December 6, 2012
Zimmerman sues #NBC. Take every last penny, George. Send Sharpton to the unemployment line. He tried to ruin you. http://t.co/AYavL6P9
— BlackwingdrosesDalek (@PatriotUSADalek) December 6, 2012
George Zimmerman sues NBC and reporters, http://t.co/Zq7ZZ2AG GOOD FOR GEORGE! HOLD NBC ACCOUNTABLE FOR ONCE!
— Lisette Riveira (@LisetteRiveira) December 6, 2012
I hope he waxes the floor with them: George Zimmerman Sues @NBC; Says Audio Edited to Make Him Look Racist http://t.co/YnsDfueE
— Tejas Conservative (@TXGaryM) December 6, 2012
Related:
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Twitter lynch mob: George Zimmerman is out on bail? Let’s kill him!
New Black Panthers offering $10K reward for ‘capture’ of Zimmerman
George Zimmerman released after posting bail, threats continue to pour in
Countless death threats against Zimmerman, man not proven guilty
George Zimmerman is back in police custody; Update: Twitter mob hopes for rape, death
Once again, Twitter Lynch Mob calls for death of George Zimmerman
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