John Oliver, everyone's favorite liberal transplant from the UK, may be facing some legal trouble.
In an effort to make a point about coal mining, the host of Last Week Tonight called out Robert Murray, a top coal mining executive, in a video on June 18, saying he looked like “Mr. Evil."
Now, the Murray Energy Corporation chief executive has filed a lawsuit accusing Oliver of carrying out a "meticulously planned attempt to assassinate the character and reputation of Murray and Co" and alleging Oliver broadcasted false statements.
Even prior to the show, in which John Oliver also called out coal executives in general, conflict raged over the segment.
The show's production team had reportedly contacted Murray before the show, to which the company had responded with a letter demanding he "cease and desist from any effort to defame, harass, or otherwise injure Mr. Murray or Murray Energy,” according to The Hill.
Even during the show itself, Oliver acknowledged he was opening himself up to a lawsuit. After ranting about the mining executive, he added, “Bob Murray, I didn’t really plan for so much of this piece to be about you, but you kinda forced my hand on that one. And I know you’re probably going to sue me over this. But, you know what? I stand by everything I said.”
This isn't the first time that head of Murray Energy has sued a journalist (though whether Oliver can reasonably be called a "journalist" is another story). According to the Pittsburg-Post Gazette, Murray has previously filed nine lawsuits against various news outlets throughout a 14-year period.
If you're so inclined, here's a link to Oliver's show, coal rants and all:
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