Matt Wallace, a prominent cryptocurrency investor and social media personality, is being sued for fraud. Virginia Army National Guard helicopter pilot Jo Ellis brought the suit in a Colorado federal district court. In a statement on Wednesday, the lawsuit said these actions taken by Wallace included making false claims. These allegations relate to Ellis’s role in a plane crash that occurred on January 29th.
When a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed during one of those training exercises, it ignited a tragic series of events and unfounded accusations against Ellis. Wallace leveled these allegations well after the incident took place. He alleged that she was piloting the chopper at the time of the crash. He alleged that she intentionally provoked the crash. This new theory gained viral momentum on social media. Wallace’s statement blew up. Wallace’s comments went viral, drawing a wave of national grassroots pressure on Ellis.
In the lawsuit, Ellis argues that Wallace defamed her by publishing false information. She further alleges that he financially benefited from spreading false rumors that she caused the crash. She is looking for damages for damage to her professional reputation and standing from these misleading or false assertions. The Equality Legal Action Fund is standing behind her, representing her in this important case. They are highlighting the importance of addressing the harmful allegations against these service members.
Ellis has a commendable history of military service underlined her commitment to carrying out her duties with integrity regardless of the political partisan divide. In a statement regarding her service, she affirmed, “I swore an oath to defend my country, and as an officer in the U.S. military, I will honor that oath regardless of who the president is.”
Ellis as boldly as she had claimed her lack of qualifications and experience. She explained her decision by saying, “I don’t think any private political views affect the ability to serve in my position. I’ve worked for 15 years under every political party president and governors, without a problem. She stressed that her ability as a pilot remains unaffected by any diversity, equity, and inclusion policies: “There’s no way any DEI policy could have benefited me if one exists,” she noted.
Wallace’s allegations not only placed Ellis in the spotlight but ignited discussions about misinformation and its consequences for individuals in high-stakes professions like the military. The legal complaint emphasizes that once Wallace propagated his theory linking the helicopter crash to Ellis, it rapidly gained traction online.
According to the complaint, once the Defendant injected his ridiculous theory, it was like a fire wildfire. He alleged that the helicopter specifically crashed into him on purpose since the helicopter was allegedly piloted by the Plaintiff, a transgender Black Hawk pilot.
While the case proceeds in front of a judge, it calls into question important issues. What duty of care do public figures have when they talk about issues involving those who protect our freedom and democracy? Wallace did not respond immediately to USA TODAY’s multiple requests for comment on the lawsuit. He refused to back down on comments he made about Ellis.
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