Rush Limbaugh is threatening to sue the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unless it retracts an allegedly defamatory statement, according to a letter sent by the conservative radio host’s lawyer.
{mosads}”The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (“DCCC”) — comprised of elected public officials who should know better — has intentionally disseminated demonstrably false statements concerning Rush Limbaugh in a concerted effort to harm Mr. Limbaugh,” states the letter from lawyer Patricia Glaser, of the law firm Glaser Weil.
“Mr. Limbaugh has authorized this firm to promptly commence litigation against the DCCC if it refuses to retract its defamatory statements,” the letter adds.
The dispute is over comments about campus sexual assault that Limbaugh made on his radio show in September.
“In case you missed it, Limbaugh actually said, ” ‘no means yes’ if you know how to spot it,” DCCC Action wrote in an email on Sept. 17 asking supporters to sign a petition to take Limbaugh off the air.
In another email, DCCC Action wrote, “Make no mistake, Rush Limbaugh is ADVOCATING a tolerance of rape.”
Glaser’s letter argues that Limbaugh’s statement was taken out of context and points to the comments around it.
“How many of you guys, in your own experience with women, have learned that ‘no’ means ‘yes’ if you know how to spot it?” Limbaugh said on his show in the remarks in question, when discussing an “affirmative consent” proposal at Ohio State. “Let me tell you something. In this modern world, that is simply not tolerated. People aren’t even gonna try to understand that one. I mean, it used to be said it was a cliche. It used to be part of the advice young boys were given. See, that’s what we gotta change. We have got to reprogram the way we raise men.”
“Mr. Limbaugh clearly, unambiguously and emphatically condemned the notion that “‘no’ means ‘yes’ ” the letter states. “Mr. Limbaugh expressly stated that such a concept ‘is simply not tolerated.’ “
The letter argues the DCCC was trying to hurt Limbaugh’s business and get advertisers to pull their ads.
It also points out that the DCCC has apologized in the past after being threatened with a lawsuit. In 2012, it apologized to Republican donor Sheldon Adelson over comments insinuating he had profited from prostitution.
“To lie about Rush Limbaugh’s words as a fundraising method, under the color of authority of the Democratic Party, is a ‘tactic’ that is disrespectful to the general public, and to the 20 million people that choose to listen to Rush each week,” Limbaugh spokesman Brian Glicklich said.
The DCCC, however, said they had not received a letter from Limbaugh’s attorney.
“While Rush Limbaugh is an expert in outrageous, inaccurate and defamatory speech, this attack on the DCCC is as outlandish as his original statement about women,” said DCCC spokeswoman Emily Bittner. “The DCCC has not received any correspondence from Mr. Limbaugh or his attorney. If they actually send such a letter, rather than a press release, we will review it and respond accordingly.”
This post was updated at 4:38 p.m.