Piker Seeks $72.5 Million From CNN Contributor, Targets Pundits
Streamer Hasan Piker's attorney predicts more lawsuits after filing suit against Scott Jennings over a spliced video clip.
By Layla Petrov ·
Hasan Piker is seeking $72.5 million in damages from CNN contributor Scott Jennings. The progressive political streamer filed the defamation lawsuit in early November, following a dispute over a video clip aired on a Salem Media podcast.
Daniel Watkins, Piker's attorney, told Vanity Fair that his firm will contact other conservative pundits. He described a legal reckoning as imminent and stated that other entities will likely receive outreach in the coming days.
The conflict began on Aug. 11, when Jennings appeared on a podcast to urge Michigan voters to reject Abdul El-Sayed. Jennings used a spliced video montage to allege that Piker advocated for lynchings. Watkins sent a retraction demand to Salem Media's chief legal counsel, Christopher Henderson, in late August. After receiving no response, Piker filed the suit seeking $27.5 million in compensatory damages and $45 million in punitive damages.
Piker said he had avoided litigation for a long time before deciding to act. He noted that figures like Jennings had started trafficking in outright lies and slander. Watkins called the targeted misattributions disgusting, vile, and dangerous for a public figure built on advocacy for marginalized groups.
Piker cited personal fallout, including reputational damage and safety concerns, as reasons for the legal action. He mentioned a stalker who followed him to a public event. He asked when was the last time a person experienced eight consistent months of mainstream media focusing on one primary villain.
With the midterms ending and Piker-backed candidates securing wins, the streamer is eyeing new targets. Piker identified former RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, who repeated the lynching claim on C-SPAN, and Sen. Ted Cruz, who reshared the montage on X. Shortly after filing the suit, Piker posted a message to the Texas senator on social media.
Piker told those who made false claims against him to work on their retractions immediately. He said that if people felt they could fabricate quotes and make ridiculous claims, they should act now.
