Former Trump Ambassador Kim Guilfoyle Sued Over Disputed Text Messages

Eric Deters, a former lawyer and Republican candidate, has sued former US ambassador to Greece Kim Guilfoyle. The defamation lawsuit involves statements related to text messages that reportedly showed her asking him to pay $100,000 toward her personal debts.

The Details: Deters filed the lawsuit in Kentucky state court on Thursday, saying Guilfoyle and her legal team made false statements about his allegations. The Wall Street Journal previously reported on messages that appeared to show Guilfoyle asking Deters to send money to her American Express account.

Guilfoyle's lawyer questioned whether the messages were authentic and said she was owed money for travel and events organized by Deters. Deters denies owing her money and says he previously paid her $300,000 in speaking fees.

For Context: Guilfoyle was asked to resign as ambassador earlier this week, days after the Wall Street Journal (center bias) published its report. An anonymous US official said President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were "extremely pissed off" by Guilfoyle's reported conduct. She has called the allegations false and said she would defend her reputation. President Donald Trump said the administration did not like what it was reading about the situation. Guilfoyle told Greek officials that the United States played a role in the collapse of the Romanian government in May.

What Happens Next: Deters said he plans to question Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr., Trump's eldest son, who was previously engaged to Guilfoyle. Deters has also said he would drop the lawsuit if Trump takes action on a separate legal case involving a physician. The allegations and disputed messages have not been resolved in court. US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle told Greek officials that the United States played a role in the collapse of the Romanian government in May,

How The Media Covered It: Media outlets across the political spectrum covered the lawsuit and Guilfoyle's resignation, but New York Post (Lean Right) used more dramatic language and emphasized Deters' broader allegations and demands. CBS News (Lean Left) focused on the defamation lawsuit, the disputed text messages and the competing claims from Deters and Guilfoyle's legal team. The Post gave more attention to Deters' demand that Trump help secure a physician's extradition in exchange for dropping the lawsuit, along with his claims that he has more damaging information about Guilfoyle. 

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