Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre is seeking to broaden his defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Auditor Shad White to now include a book penned by White that focuses on the misuse of welfare funds intended to aid some of the most underprivileged individuals in the United States. White’s publication, titled “Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America,” was released in August and has sparked controversy.
In court filings submitted by Favre’s legal team on Friday, they asserted that the title and content of White’s book are defamatory towards Favre. The filing claims that the book falsely accuses Favre of diverting money meant for individuals in shelters, attempting to conceal this from the public and media, and alleges Favre engaged in money laundering, among other accusations.
White has affirmed that he is personally funding his defence in response to the defamation lawsuit. He stated in a text message to The Associated Press that while the lawsuit has imposed significant financial burdens on his family, he remains resolute in his commitment to exposing the truth. White expressed confidence that Favre’s legal action will not succeed, similar to previous legal challenges he has encountered.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch ceased representing White in the defamation case earlier this year after White disclosed plans to publish a book on the welfare scandal. The book alleges that Fitch delayed efforts to recover misused funds and suggested the state employ private attorneys for the task. Favre, while not facing criminal charges, is among numerous individuals and entities facing legal action aimed at reclaiming misappropriated funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programme.
White had previously claimed that Favre had received speaking fees from a non-profit organisation that utilised welfare funds, approved by the Mississippi Department of Human Services, but Favre never fulfilled the speaking engagements. The funds were designated for the construction of a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre’s daughter was involved in the volleyball programme. Although Favre has reimbursed $1.1 million, White contends that Favre still owes approximately $730,000 due to accrued interest on the original amount owed.
In February 2023, Favre initiated defamation lawsuits against White, as well as two former NFL players turned sports broadcasters – Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee – over remarks they made regarding him and the welfare misspending issue. A federal appeals court recently declined to revive Favre’s lawsuit against Sharpe, which had been dismissed by a district court judge. Additionally, in May 2023, Favre dropped his lawsuit against McAfee following an apology from McAfee for asserting that Favre had been “stealing from poor people in Mississippi.”
The legal battle between Favre and White signifies a complex and contentious chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of welfare spending practices within Mississippi. The outcome of this dispute may have far-reaching implications for both parties involved and could potentially influence public perception of issues surrounding welfare disbursement and accountability in the state.