Behind the scenes at Fox News, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro was reportedly the subject of harsh criticism from network executives, according to legal documents released in the Smartmatic defamation lawsuit. The filings reveal a stark contrast between the public image of Pirro as a Fox News star and the private concerns held by those at the top of the media giant.
'Reckless Maniac' and More: Fox Execs Unleash on Pirro
The Smartmatic lawsuit, seeking $2.7 billion in damages from Fox News, alleges that Pirro and other Fox hosts amplified false claims about the voting technology company following Donald Trump's 2020 election loss. The legal documents include internal communications where Fox executives expressed serious doubts about Pirro's credibility and judgment.
- One executive reportedly called Pirro a "reckless maniac."
- Another said, "I don't trust her to be responsible."
- A third condemned her "tendency to find random conspiracy theories on weird internet sites."
- A corporate board member labeled a public statement of hers "insane."
Pirro's Role in Trump's Election Claims
These comments arose after the 2020 election when Pirro used her Fox News platform to promote unsubstantiated claims that the election was stolen from President Trump. These claims are at the heart of Smartmatic's defamation suit, which accuses Pirro and Fox News of knowingly spreading false information that damaged the company's reputation.
The revelations raise questions about the internal dynamics at Fox News and the network's handling of misinformation. While publicly defending Pirro, executives privately voiced concerns about her behavior and the potential damage it could inflict on the network.
Currently, Jeanine Pirro serves as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, a position she assumed after being appointed by President Trump. Her past role in amplifying election conspiracy theories has drawn scrutiny to her current position as the top law enforcement official in the nation's capital.
The Independent has reached out to Fox and to Pirro for further comment. Pirro declined to comment when approached about the story.