Who is Laura Loomer? Bill Maher and HBO hit with defamation lawsuit over Donald Trump affair quip

Bill Maher, Laura Loomer (Image via Twitter/@billmaher, rumble.com/LauraLoomer)
Bill Maher, Laura Loomer (Image via Twitter/@billmaher, rumble.com/LauraLoomer)

Television host Bill Maher is facing a lawsuit from Laura Loomer. During Donald Trump's presidential election campaign, he is often seen with the far-right activist. Loomer is a right-wing personality and a former Republican congressional candidate. She is known for her conspiracy theories, which led to her ban from several social media platforms. Her anti-Islam comments have received massive backlash.

However, former president Donald Trump has praised her and shared her posts. While he also wanted to give Loomer a role in his campaign, immediate backlash from his supporters prevented that from happening. Since Loomer and Trump were often seen together during the latter's campaign, Bill Maher alleged they were having an affair on chat show Real Time With Bill Maher. The comment prompted Loomer to file a defamation lawsuit against the host and Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO.

Why did Laura Loomer sue Bill Maher and HBO?

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Laura Loomer hit Bill Maher and HBO with a defamation lawsuit for the September 13 edition of Real Time With Bill Maher. Loomer's lawyer, Larry Klayman, mentioned in the lawsuit that Maher claimed Loomer had "committed adultery with President Donald Trump."

For the unversed, on the show, Maher mentioned that Loomer and Trump "maybe" have an arranged relationship. He further suggested that the two are involved in a s*xual affair. Maher said,

"I think maybe Laura Loomer is in an arranged relationship to affect the election because she’s very close to Trump. She’s 31, looks like his type. We did an editorial here a few years ago… it was basically, who’s Trump f**king? Because, I said, you know, it’s not nobody. He’s been a dog for too long, and it’s not Melania. I think we may have our answer this week. I think it might be Laura Loomer."

The lawsuit said these comments were "false, malicious, and defamatory" for Laura Loomer. Klayman further argued that Loomer had strongly advocated for Trump throughout her professional career. He added that Loomer promotes national security, constitutional conservative values, and more that are a part of Trump's pro-American agenda. This led to her becoming a "target" of Maher and HBO, as they "advocate for Democrat Party officials and values," per the attorney.

The lawsuit further stated:

"They attacked Ms. Loomer with defamatory statements as a vehicle to harm President Trump and his campaign for the presidency of the United States and to harm Ms. Loomer’s credibility. Bill Maher is a known Trump hater."

Loomer is seeking $150 million with additional punitive damages through the lawsuit. More details are awaited.

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Edited by pshmueni