New York City — Dan Rather filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS and his former bosses Wednesday, claiming they made him a "scapegoat" for a discredited story about President Bush's military service during the Vietnam War.
The 75-year-old Rather, whose final months were clouded by controversy over the story, said the actions of the defendants damaged his reputation and caused him significant financial loss.
The lawsuit, filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan, claims the network intentionally botched the aftermath of the story about Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard and had Rather take the fall to "pacify" the White House. He was removed from his job at "CBS Evening News" in March 2005.
Besides CBS Corp., the suit names former CBS parent company Viacom Inc., CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves, Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone, and Andrew Heyward, former president of CBS News. The suit seeks $20 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages.
Comments
DrBeans 10 years ago
Apparently, when Dan Rather collected awards for his work over the years, he was accountable for his actions ... and due rewards. But, when he runs into trouble, all the sudden he's not the one responsible. Sounds like it's time to give all his awards, accolades and kudos earned through the years back to CBS and the coworkers who probably got zip the first go-'round.
matahari 10 years ago
building that little retirement nest egg Mr Rather? (gheez, no wonder he didn't retire earlier, he was waiting for a chance such as this one!)
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