MSNBC's parent company, NBCUniversal, has reached a settlement in the defamation lawsuit filed by Dr. Mahendra Amin, a Georgia gynecologist. The suit stemmed from accusations made on MSNBC programs, including those of Rachel Maddow, Nicolle Wallace, and Chris Hayes, that Dr. Amin performed unnecessary hysterectomies on immigrant women detained at the Irwin County Detention Center. These claims originated from a 2020 whistleblower complaint but were never substantiated.
The settlement terms remain confidential, but the agreement comes after a significant legal victory for Dr. Amin. Judge Lisa Godbey Wood of the Southern District of Georgia had previously ruled that a jury could find actual malice in the network's reporting. This ruling paved the way for a trial that was scheduled to begin in April 2025 but has now been canceled due to the settlement.
The lawsuit centered on MSNBC's coverage of the allegations against Dr. Amin, during which he was often labeled the "uterus collector." Judge Wood's summary judgment highlighted that NBC's own investigation did not confirm the whistleblower's claims, yet the network proceeded to publish them. The judge also noted undisputed evidence demonstrating the falsity of key accusations, including the number of hysterectomies performed by Dr. Amin.
Legal expert Danny Karon commented on the settlement, suggesting that the judge's strong ruling in favor of Dr. Amin likely influenced NBCUniversal's decision. While the specific terms are unknown, the timing and context point towards a favorable outcome for the doctor.
This settlement follows another recent defamation case involving a major news network. Just weeks prior, CNN settled with a Navy veteran after a jury found the network liable for defamation. These cases underscore the legal risks associated with publishing unverified information, particularly when it involves damaging accusations against individuals.
