JACKSON, Miss. — A defamation lawsuit filed by retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre towards Mississippi Auditor Shad White for his feedback on a welfare scandal will transfer ahead after Mississippi’s Supreme Courtroom on Thursday denied White’s enchantment to dismiss the lawsuit.
“The details of this case haven’t modified and Auditor White will proceed to defend himself from this ridiculous and frivolous lawsuit,” White’s workplace mentioned in a press release.
In March, White requested the court docket to overturn a ruling by Hinds County Circuit Decide Debra Gibbs, who denied White’s preliminary dismissal request.
“The continued litigation of this case not solely threatens essential First Modification rights. Equally if no more worrisomely, it discourages public servants from doing their jobs,” White’s enchantment learn.
Favre filed the defamation lawsuit in 2023. It alleges White falsely accused Favre of stealing taxpayer funds in media appearances and in White’s 2024 guide, “Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America.”
Favre is amongst greater than three dozen folks sued by the state in an try to recuperate misspent welfare {dollars} via the Non permanent Help for Needy Households program. Greater than $1 million in TANF funds had been funneled via a nonprofit and used to assist pay for a $5 million volleyball facility on the College of Southern Mississippi, Favre’s alma mater. Favre’s daughter performed volleyball on the college beginning in 2017.
Favre has repaid $1.1 million, however White is suing the Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer, saying Favre nonetheless owes about $730,000 due to curiosity on the unique quantity he owed.
Favre has not confronted prison prices associated to the scandal and has denied wrongdoing. He mentioned he didn’t know the funds had been designated for welfare recipients and was making an attempt to assist his alma mater.
The defamation lawsuit now returns to Hinds County Circuit Courtroom. The Related Press has contacted White’s workplace
