Fox News has found itself a target of much ire and foul language over the years, and now it’s in the sights of Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has plans on bringing the clutches of French law around the 24-news network’s neck. That’s right, Paris is suing Fox News.
Hidalgo’s problems with Fox News stem, in one case, from an recent instance on Justice with Judge Jeanine, when erroneous claims were made by anti-terrorism pundit Steve Emerson about the locations of Muslim-populated “no-go” zones in parts of Paris and other European cities where it would be dangerous for non-Muslims to go. Other programs also reportedly shared in displaying inaccurate maps and other claims about designated “no-go” areas, which have caused many to chide the network for fear mongering involving Muslim populations, following the recent attack at the satire magazine Charlie Hebdo. Sure, Fox News has also aired several corrections following some of those reports, but apparently those weren’t enough.
Here’s what Hidalgo told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on her series Amanpour earlier today.
When we’re insulted, and when we’ve had an image, then I think we’ll have to sue, I think we’ll have to go to court, in order to have these words removed. The image of Paris has been prejudiced, and the honor of Paris has been prejudiced. And I think in the great discussion of truth everyone is to play its role. And we’re going to have to be realistic and put things as they are.”
According to Deadline, city sources say the legal action will be taken in the near future, as they have to decide whether to set the case within a U.S. courtroom or a French one. I’d have to think they’d have a better shot of getting this thing over if they did it on their home turf.
You can watch the video of Hidalgo’s declaration below.
When pressed for comment, Fox News EVP Michael Clemente started soft, but made it clear that he thinks it's a flimsy argument.
We empathize with the citizens of France as they go through a healing process and return to everyday life. However, we find the Mayor’s comments regarding a lawsuit misplaced.”
Fox News is no stranger to lawsuits, as they were sued in 2013 for airing footage of a car chase where the driver killed himself, as well as in 2011 for an ex-employee’s claims of daily abuse and humiliation. Do you guys think Hidalgo will actually go through with this, or will it all end outside of the courtroom?
