Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has faced a major legal blow after a judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit tied to a $77 million welfare fraud scandal. The case, which also involves NFL legend Brett Favre, has drawn national attention and reignited debate over political accountability and press freedom in Mississippi.
Judge dismisses Bryant’s defamation case tied to explosive welfare fraud investigation
Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant suffered a major legal defeat after a Mississippi court dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today, the news outlet that uncovered a multi-million-dollar welfare fraud scandal linking Bryant to NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
The scandal, which initially came to light in 2020, centers around the alleged misappropriation of $77 million in federal welfare funds meant for the state’s most vulnerable. The exposé gained national attention when Mississippi Today released text messages in 2022, implicating both Bryant and Favre in a scheme to reroute $5 million to fund a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi—where Favre’s daughter played at the time.
One of the most damning pieces of evidence was a message from Favre asking, “If you were to pay me is there anyway the media can find out where it came from and how much?” These revelations led to Mississippi Today winning a Pulitzer Prize for its investigative reporting.
Court sides with press freedom, calls lawsuit ‘baseless’
Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills ruled against Bryant, describing the defamation claims as unsubstantiated. The judge's decision marked a victory for Mississippi Today, which had condemned the suit as an attack on journalistic integrity. “The reporting speaks for itself. The truth speaks for itself,” the outlet said in a statement following the ruling.
Bryant’s legal action had raised concerns over press freedom, with the potential for reporters Adam Ganucheau and Anna Wolfe to face contempt of court if the case proceeded unfavorably. However, the court’s dismissal allowed the journalists to avoid legal repercussions while reinforcing the protection of investigative journalism .
Despite the court’s decision, Bryant has no intention of backing down. His attorney, Billy Quinn, confirmed that they plan to take the case to the Mississippi Supreme Court . The former governor, who served from 2012 to 2020, continues to assert his innocence and appears determined to challenge the narrative built by the media and public opinion.
Also Read: “Naturally hate him”: Pat McAfee didn’t shy away from connecting Travis Kelce’s public image and his relationship with Taylor Swift
This ruling may not be the final chapter in what has become one of Mississippi’s most high-profile political and financial scandals, but it sends a strong message about the power of the press—and the growing accountability demanded of public figures.
Judge dismisses Bryant’s defamation case tied to explosive welfare fraud investigation
Former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant suffered a major legal defeat after a Mississippi court dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today, the news outlet that uncovered a multi-million-dollar welfare fraud scandal linking Bryant to NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre.
Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills dismissed former Gov. Phil Bryant’s defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Today on Friday, ending a nearly two-year case that became a beacon in the fight for American press freedom.https://t.co/MvaGD9CtmI
— Mississippi Today (@MSTODAYnews) April 4, 2025
The scandal, which initially came to light in 2020, centers around the alleged misappropriation of $77 million in federal welfare funds meant for the state’s most vulnerable. The exposé gained national attention when Mississippi Today released text messages in 2022, implicating both Bryant and Favre in a scheme to reroute $5 million to fund a volleyball facility at the University of Southern Mississippi—where Favre’s daughter played at the time.
One of the most damning pieces of evidence was a message from Favre asking, “If you were to pay me is there anyway the media can find out where it came from and how much?” These revelations led to Mississippi Today winning a Pulitzer Prize for its investigative reporting.
Court sides with press freedom, calls lawsuit ‘baseless’
Madison County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mills ruled against Bryant, describing the defamation claims as unsubstantiated. The judge's decision marked a victory for Mississippi Today, which had condemned the suit as an attack on journalistic integrity. “The reporting speaks for itself. The truth speaks for itself,” the outlet said in a statement following the ruling.
A major defamation lawsuit tied to Mississippi’s massive welfare fraud scandal, the same one that gained national attention because of Brett Favre’s involvement, has officially been dismissed.
— IG: NFLPreme (@premefootball) April 5, 2025
Favre hasn’t been charged with any crimes and continues to deny any wrongdoing, but… pic.twitter.com/XkUK42UWL2
Bryant’s legal action had raised concerns over press freedom, with the potential for reporters Adam Ganucheau and Anna Wolfe to face contempt of court if the case proceeded unfavorably. However, the court’s dismissal allowed the journalists to avoid legal repercussions while reinforcing the protection of investigative journalism .
Despite the court’s decision, Bryant has no intention of backing down. His attorney, Billy Quinn, confirmed that they plan to take the case to the Mississippi Supreme Court . The former governor, who served from 2012 to 2020, continues to assert his innocence and appears determined to challenge the narrative built by the media and public opinion.
Also Read: “Naturally hate him”: Pat McAfee didn’t shy away from connecting Travis Kelce’s public image and his relationship with Taylor Swift
This ruling may not be the final chapter in what has become one of Mississippi’s most high-profile political and financial scandals, but it sends a strong message about the power of the press—and the growing accountability demanded of public figures.
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Perishers - 17th April 2025
