Conservative podcaster Benny Johnson is considering taking legal action against the New York Times. He claims the paper published a “sloppy hit job” regarding an incident involving his wife and newborn child when a nearby rowhouse, attached to theirs, caught fire in Washington. The 2020 fire tragically resulted in the death of two dogs, and security footage depicted officers attempting to open Johnson’s front door while holding the baby, who was in a smoke-filled environment.
“It’s caused a considerable amount of pain for my family,” Johnson told Fox News Digital, questioning why the Times would want his wife to relive that ordeal. He emphasized the need for accountability, suggesting that the article not only misrepresented the facts but also deflected blame.
Earlier, at a press briefing on August 12 regarding crime in Washington, Johnson criticized the safety of the area, citing personal experiences like being carjacked and witnessing other crimes. He feels the Times has misrepresented the context of his statements, arguing that police records didn’t capture the full reality of the dangers he faced as a resident.
Johnson highlighted that while it is stated his block hasn’t seen a murder since 2017, his home was indeed jeopardized by the fire. He criticized how the Times phrased the connection between properties, insisting that if a room adjoining a nursery was on fire, it meant the child was undeniably at risk. The article, according to Johnson, downplayed the situation, suggesting no immediate danger to his family.
He maintains he provided the newspaper with evidence indicating the severity of the incident but feels they chose not to include key details. Johnson accused the Times of presenting a misleading narrative, suggesting that although no one was physically harmed, the emotional impact on his family was substantial.
Attempting to clarify the consequences of police reports and fire investigations, he noted that while no humans were hurt, the loss of their pets was traumatic, and the family was fearful for their lives during the incident.
In response, the Times stated that the article wasn’t aimed at undermining concerns regarding Johnson’s family’s safety but rather focused on factual inaccuracies pertaining to his claims. They contend that claims surrounding crime on his block are challenged by existing police records.
Although Johnson has since relocated to Florida, he expressed disappointment with how his family’s narrative was treated. He plans to consult with his attorney regarding potential next steps. “This is a disgrace,” he remarked, emphasizing his fight for truth in the matter.
