Legal Threat Over Epstein Allegations Between Maryland Governor and Baltimore Sun Owner

Maryland Governor Wes Moore asserted on June 16, 2026, during an interview on *MS NOW*, that Sinclair Broadcast Group executive chairman David Smith, also owner of *The Baltimore Sun*, “was invested in by Jeffrey Epstein.” In response, Smith’s legal team sent a demand letter on June 29, 2026, threatening a defamation lawsuit unless Moore issued a public retraction and correction. The exchange was made public through filings obtained by news outlets.

Sinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies

The dispute follows months of critical reporting by Sinclair-owned media outlets on Moore’s administration and his military record. Moore has repeatedly described that coverage as a politically motivated “hit.” Smith, a Baltimore County resident who has previously told President Donald Trump that Sinclair’s stations “are here to deliver your message,” has faced scrutiny over past investments, prompting the governor’s comment linking him to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Sinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies

Smith’s attorney Harold Walter argued the governor’s claim is “potentially defamatory” and demanded a “clear, unequivocal public retraction and correction.” Moore’s personal attorney Joseph Sandler countered that the statement is “absolutely and indisputably true,” noting that Epstein’s funds owned “several hundred thousand dollars’ worth of investments in Sinclair” while Smith was chairman. In a July 14 letter, Moore’s lawyers affirmed the governor would continue to exercise his First Amendment rights to “make his views known to constituents.”

SemaforSinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies

Smith’s counsel maintains that he “has no relationship with … Epstein, much less an investment relationship,” contending that any alleged link is unfounded and harms Smith’s reputation. The governor’s camp, however, points to Department of Justice records showing Epstein-controlled investment firms purchased Sinclair shares, framing the issue as a matter of public interest.

Sinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies

• “A false assertion of this nature linking an individual to Mr. Epstein’s financial dealings is of a kind that foreseeably subjects that individual to serious reputational harm, including public contempt and scorn, diminished business relationships, and damage to personal and professional standing,” — Harold Walter, attorney for David Smith

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• “The statement made by Governor Moore is absolutely and indisputably true and, therefore, your assertion that the statement is defamatory is meritless,” — Joseph Sandler, attorney for Wes Moore

Semafor

• “It is absolutely true that Jeffrey Epstein invested in Mr. Smith’s business, namely in Sinclair Broadcast Group,” — Joseph Sandler, attorney for Wes Moore

Sinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies

• “no relationship with ... Epstein, much less an investment relationship,” — Smith’s attorney (letter)

Sinclair’s David Smith threatens to sue Wes Moore as feud intensifies