IRS whistleblowers sue Hunter Biden’s attorney for $20 million, claiming defamation threatens transparency and accountability in public affairs.
At a Glance
- IRS investigators Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden’s attorney Abbe Lowell
- The lawsuit accuses Lowell of retaliating by making defamatory statements alleging illegal leaks of Hunter Biden’s tax information
- Whistleblowers claim Lowell’s actions caused significant harm to their reputations and could discourage future whistleblowers
- The case highlights concerns over transparency and accountability in high-profile investigations
Whistleblowers Take Legal Action Against Hunter Biden’s Attorney
In a bold move to protect their reputations and the integrity of whistleblower protections, IRS investigators Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler have filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., accuses Lowell of retaliating against the whistleblowers by making defamatory statements to the media, alleging illegal leaks of Hunter Biden’s tax information.
The lawsuit claims that Lowell’s actions were intended to harm the whistleblowers’ reputations by spreading falsehoods. Shapley and Ziegler assert that they acted with integrity in exposing conflicts of interest and preferential treatment in the investigation of Hunter Biden. They vehemently deny Lowell’s accusations of illegally disclosing grand jury materials and taxpayer information.
Two IRS agents who came forward last year with bombshell allegations of misconduct in the long-running Hunter Biden tax case are now suing Biden's lead attorney for $20M for allegedly defaming them with false statements to the media. | @jameslynch32 https://t.co/sYXEF5sEAv
— National Review (@NRO) September 16, 2024
Impact on Hunter Biden Investigation and Plea Deal
The whistleblowers’ public concerns led to the collapse of a plea deal between Hunter Biden and Delaware US Attorney David Weiss. Subsequently, Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to all felony tax crimes, validating the investigators’ initial concerns. This turn of events has raised questions about the handling of the investigation and potential political influence on prosecutorial decisions.
The lawsuit highlights Lowell’s prominent legal stature, suggesting his accusations have amplified the harm to the agents’ reputations. Lowell is described as “one of the country’s foremost white collar defense and trial lawyers” who is “widely viewed as counsel of choice for individuals facing government investigations and potential indictments.” This status, the plaintiffs argue, lends undue weight to his allegedly false accusations.
Implications for Whistleblower Protections
The case raises significant concerns about the potential chilling effect on future whistleblowers. Shapley and Ziegler argue that unchecked defamation against them could discourage potential whistleblowers from revealing wrongdoings in the future, thereby threatening transparency and accountability in public affairs.
The lawsuit seeks court intervention to safeguard whistleblowers’ rights and maintain public trust in the system. It underscores the importance of protecting those who come forward with information about potential wrongdoing, especially in high-profile cases involving political figures.
Legal Battle Continues
As the case moves forward, it will likely draw significant attention to the broader issues of whistleblower protections and the handling of politically sensitive investigations. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how future whistleblowers are treated and the level of protection they can expect when coming forward with information in the public interest.
The defamation case against Hunter Biden’s attorney serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who choose to speak out against perceived wrongdoing. It highlights the delicate balance between protecting whistleblowers and maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
