Former Navy SEAL Sues Podcasters for Defamation
A former Navy SEAL who was part of the operation that killed Osama bin Laden is filing a $25 million lawsuit against two podcasters. Robert O’Neill claims that since 2023, Tyler Hoover and Brent Tucker, hosts of the Anti-Hero Broadcast, have spread falsehoods about his role in the operation, particularly his actions in 2012. This legal action comes just ahead of Veterans Day and was filed in the Westchester County Supreme Court.
O’Neill, a decorated veteran from an elite military unit, alleges that Hoover and Tucker initiated an unfair smear campaign to attract attention to their YouTube channel, which currently has around 120,000 subscribers. In one episode, Tucker went as far as to suggest that O’Neill did not kill bin Laden, labeling it the “worst-kept secret” and claiming that he wouldn’t speak about being part of a mission. “That would make me as big a liar as Rob O’Neill,” he insisted.
Tucker, who has ties with some individuals from the mission, claimed they were too professional to publicly dispute O’Neill’s assertions but avoided affirming his account, noting, “They wouldn’t do that.”
O’Neill, who served in SEAL Team 6 during Operation Neptune Spear in 2011, stated that he was the one who fired the shots that killed bin Laden. This fact is backed by retired Admiral William H. McRaven, the mission’s leader. O’Neill recalled the moment vividly, saying, “I turned in the other direction and Osama bin Laden was standing there, and I shot him three times.” He firmly rebuffed the podcasters’ claims, saying, “That’s simply not true.”
In a later episode of his own podcast, Tucker suggested that O’Neill’s delay in filing a lawsuit was further proof of his dishonesty. He said, “I think you can see why they haven’t filed a lawsuit against me.” By that point, Tucker and Huber had already “parted ways,” according to court documents.
O’Neill responded to these comments, indicating his need to take legal action was partly fueled by the constant public references to him made by the podcasters. He expressed concern over the targeting of fellow veterans, asserting that issues should be discussed privately instead of publicly, especially considering the struggles many veterans face, including PTSD.
The lawsuit claims that the podcasters did not conduct basic due diligence before making harmful statements about O’Neill. Detailing the negative impact of these accusations, O’Neill noted that they have adversely affected his professional life, leading to fewer speaking engagements and emotional distress.
Following a military career spanning 16 years, O’Neill retired in 2012 and has since taken on public speaking roles and launched a business focused on leadership development. He has also started a venture in the cannabis industry. Yet, according to the lawsuit, his reputation has suffered due to the continued defamatory remarks from the podcasters.
O’Neill has plans to donate any financial gains from the lawsuit to support veterans suffering from PTSD. As of now, neither Tucker nor Hoover has responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit.
