A Trial Date Has Been Set in the 2020 Defamation Lawsuit Filed against Congresswoman Maxine Waters by Former Challenger and U.S. Navy Veteran Joe Collins III
Los Angeles, Ca – Former U.S. Navy veteran and 2020 congressional candidate Joe Collins filed a defamation lawsuit against Congresswoman Maxine Waters, alleging that during the 2020 House race for California’s 43rd District, she disseminated false and damaging claims about his military service.
Collins, who ran as a challenger to the long-serving congresswoman, claims that Waters’ campaign spent significant resources on marketing and advertising falsely accusing him of being dishonorably discharged from the Navy. Collins has maintained that these statements are completely false and were intended to tarnish his reputation and credibility among voters in the district.
“As a proud U.S. Navy veteran, my service and character mean everything to me,” said Collins. “Congresswoman Waters’ actions not only undermined my candidacy but also disrespected the sacrifices made by every veteran who has honorably served this country.”
According to the lawsuit, Collins sent Congresswoman Waters’ office a cease-and-desist letter, along with a copy of his DD214, the official document verifying his military discharge status, which confirmed he was never dishonorably discharged. Despite this, Waters’ campaign allegedly continued to disseminate the defamatory claims, causing Collins significant personal and professional harm.
The initial lawsuit was filed in 2020, during which the Congresswoman won the case. However, upon appeal, the District Court of California sided with Navy veteran Joe Collins. A pre-trial date has been set for February 2025, with the trial scheduled for April 2025. Notably, Congresswoman Waters has been attempting to downplay or dismiss the lawsuit, as highlighted in recent developments. See full case details here. Additionally, in 2023 Bloomberg Law reported that Collins’ defamation claim advanced through the courts, signaling growing scrutiny over the Congresswoman’s actions during the 2020 campaign. Read more here.
“Free speech is vital in America, but truth has a place in the public square as well,” Justice John Shepard Wiley wrote for the three-justice appellate court panel. “Reckless disregard for the truth can create liability for defamation. When you face powerful documentary evidence your accusation is false, when checking is easy, and when you skip the checking but keep accusing, a jury could conclude you have crossed the line.”
Joe Collins has retained Ronda Baldwin Kennedy as his legal counsel. Kennedy, a relentless civil rights attorney admitted to the bar in 2015, brings significant expertise and determination to the case.
The legal filing states that Waters’ actions were intentional and malicious, aimed at misleading voters and ensuring her reelection. Collins is seeking damages for defamation and emotional distress, as well as a public retraction of the false claims.
The case has drawn significant attention, as it involves not only allegations of defamation but also broader questions about accountability in political campaigns.
“This lawsuit is about more than just clearing my name,” added Collins. “It’s about holding our elected officials accountable and ensuring that integrity is upheld in our political system.”
Neither Congresswoman Waters nor her office has issued a statement in response to the lawsuit at this time.
Joe Collins, a native of South Los Angeles and a decorated Navy veteran, campaigned on issues including economic revitalization, community safety, and education reform during the 2020 election cycle. He continues to advocate for veterans and underserved communities nationwide.