Former Democratic gubernatorial nominee files defamation suit against Arkansas senator

Chris Jones (left), former Democratic nominee for Arkansas governor, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Senate President Bart Hester (right). (Courtesy photos)

Former Arkansas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Jones on Thursday filed a defamation lawsuit against Republican Sen. Bart Hester.

The complaint , which was filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court by Northwest Arkansas lawyers Tom Mars and Kathryn Platt, alleges “internet defamation with malice” against Hester, president pro tempore of the Arkansas Senate. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Hester accused Jones of taking a “Pro Hamas Terrorist position” in response to the Democrat saying “We would do well to NOT ignore [student protestors].”

According to the complaint, far-right members of the Republican party intentionally use the label “Pro-Hamas” to damage political opponents and gain favor with their base. The suit alleges that Hester “maliciously” made the statement against Jones in the former candidate’s capacity as a private citizen, not as a public official, which has damaged Jones’ reputation.

“It is difficult to imagine an allegation that could be more damaging to one’s reputation than a false public statement that a person supports a terrorist group that is known throughout the world for having committed horrific atrocities, including the senseless slaughter of innocent women and children,” the complaint states. “Except for members of Hamas and members of other terrorist groups, no sane person would acknowledge being supportive of Hamas.”

According to the complaint, malice can be inferred from Hester refusing to delete the post and publicly retract his statement after Jones’ lawyer  emailed the Cave Springs Republican asking him to do so.

“The Defendant knew or ought to have known, in the light of the surrounding circumstances, that his conduct would naturally and probably result in damage to the Plaintiff and continued such conduct with malice or in reckless disregard of the consequences from which malice may be inferred,” the statement reads.

Jones is seeking actual and punitive damages in his capacity as a private citizen.

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