North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has filed a defamation lawsuit against CNN following a report that accused him of making offensive racial and sexual remarks on a pornography website’s message board. The report, published on September 19, has caused a significant stir in Robinson’s gubernatorial campaign, leading to distancing by many within the Republican party, including former President Donald Trump.
Robinson, who would become North Carolina’s first Black governor if elected, firmly denies the allegations. He claims that the report is not only false but also a politically motivated attack designed to derail his candidacy. In his lawsuit, Robinson seeks at least $50 million in damages, accusing CNN of reckless reporting.
CNN’s Report and Robinson’s Denial
CNN’s report stated that Robinson left explicit comments on a pornographic website over a decade ago, using a username linked to his other online accounts. The comments allegedly included offensive language, with Robinson calling himself a “black NAZI” and expressing disturbing views on figures such as President Barack Obama and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. CNN’s investigation claimed to have matched Robinson’s biographical details, including age, marriage length, and speech patterns, to the account in question.
Robinson has called the allegations part of a “high-tech lynching” aimed at silencing his conservative voice. He maintains that he never authored the offensive posts and points to multiple past data breaches that could have compromised his information.
CNN, when contacted about the lawsuit, declined to comment on the matter.
Political Fallout and Legal Action
The CNN report has had a significant impact on Robinson’s campaign. Several of his top campaign staffers resigned following the publication, and the Republican Governors Association (RGA), which had initially supported his bid with millions in ad spending, has withdrawn its backing. Additionally, many GOP leaders and candidates, including Trump, have distanced themselves from Robinson in the wake of the controversy.
Robinson also faces allegations from Louis Love Money, a Greensboro punk rock musician. Money claims that Robinson frequented a porn shop where he worked in the 1990s and 2000s, alleging that Robinson purchased illicit videos. Robinson strongly denies these claims as well and has included Money in his lawsuit.
Despite the mounting pressure, Robinson remains defiant, arguing that the allegations are part of a broader coordinated attack on his character. His lawyer, Jesse Binnall, stated that the legal team would use subpoena power to uncover more facts and individuals involved in the alleged smear campaign.
Campaign Struggles Amid Controversy
While Robinson fights the allegations in court, his campaign has faced challenges in maintaining momentum. His television commercials have been pulled, and his strategy has shifted toward in-person campaign events. In contrast, his Democratic rival, Attorney General Josh Stein, has surged in the polls. Stein’s campaign has aggressively highlighted Robinson’s controversial past remarks on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and other social issues.
Stein’s spokesperson, Morgan Hopkins, reiterated that the CNN report only confirmed what many voters already believed — that Robinson is unfit for office.
The Path Forward for Robinson
Robinson’s legal battle with CNN could play a critical role in determining the future of his gubernatorial campaign. While he remains focused on clearing his name, his campaign’s ability to regain momentum may depend on how the lawsuit progresses. Meanwhile, North Carolina voters will decide whether the ongoing controversy affects their choice for governor as early voting begins.
As the gubernatorial race continues, the lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to an already heated election year, with both candidates facing heightened scrutiny.
