A California federal judge awarded Hunter Biden a $1.7 million punitive damages judgment in his defamation lawsuit against former Overstock.
com CEO Patrick Byrne.
>>> Lindsey Graham's 2015 Memoir Exposes His Complex History with Southern Racism
The ruling, issued Friday by U. S.
District Judge Stephen Wilson, stems from false statements Byrne made in a 2023 interview.
Byrne, an ally of Donald Trump, alleged that Hunter Biden solicited an $800 million bribe from the Iranian government in 2021.
The claim suggested the bribe aimed to influence President Joe Biden to unfreeze $8 billion in Iranian assets and ease nuclear negotiations.
Hunter Biden filed the lawsuit in 2023, arguing Byrne knowingly spread false and defamatory statements.
The court filing stated that Byrne “made, published and repeated false and defamatory statements knowing full well that the statements are false, for the purpose of subjecting plaintiff to harassment, intimidation, and harm.”
>>> Todd Blanche: The Most Conflicted Attorney General Nominee Yet
Judge Wilson noted that Byrne attempted to defend himself by citing an unverified source, an Iranian official, but failed to provide any documentary evidence or witness testimony to support his claims.
The judge described Byrne’s narrative as “not credible” and said he “fabricates awesome and farfetched narratives to garner attention in the media.”
Byrne missed a scheduled court appearance and dismissed his primary counsel, leading to a default judgment.
The judgment includes $1 in nominal damages, $1.7 million in punitive damages, and $35,000 in court sanctions.
Hunter Biden expressed gratitude on social media, stating he is “grateful that the rule of law prevailed” and that the court order “speaks for itself.”
His attorney, Bryan Sullivan, indicated they would seek further legal remedies if Byrne continues making similar allegations.
>>> Federal Agents Serve Subpoenas to New York Times Journalists
The case follows a presidential pardon Hunter Biden received from his father regarding federal charges.
