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Alleged Hollywood Smear Machine Exposed in Publicist’s Defamation Suit
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Smear Campaign Unveiled in Federal Lawsuit
Publicist Stephanie Jones has filed a federal defamation suit accusing crisis-communications strategist Melissa Nathan and former client Jed Wallace of operating a network of anonymous websites that publish false claims about celebrities and other public figures. The complaint links a May 2024 phone call between Nathan and the employee to a website launched two days later targeting Jones herself.
Scope of the Supposed Operation
According to the suit, the alleged smear network has targeted a range of individuals, including Rebel Wilson, neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, music executive Scooter Braun and rapper Travis Scott. Additional email excerpts reference “Site Drafting” for the “Alexander Brothers”—New York real-estate agents convicted of a sex-trafficking conspiracy—and a project labeled “Amanda Ghost,” tied to Wilson’s dispute over the film *The Deb*. The documents also list “LMDV / Jessica Serfaty” and the vitamin brand Hiya Health, suggesting crisis-scenario plans were prepared for each.
Key Figures and Alleged Targets
- Stephanie Jones – Publicist for Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, plaintiff.
- Melissa Nathan – Prominent entertainment publicist, accused of perjury and directing smear-site content.
- Jed Wallace – Crisis strategist, denied involvement.
- Tamara Rubin – Founder of Lead Safe Mama, whose website and Wikipedia page were allegedly defamed.
Official Responses
Melissa Nathan has not responded to requests for comment. Jed Wallace also denied participation in the alleged scheme. Representatives for Hiya Health, Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, and Jessica Serfaty did not reply to inquiries.
Verbatim Quote
- “It’s a relief to finally know, to have that closure,” — Tamara Rubin
The lawsuit further notes that Hiya Health was in the midst of a $205 million acquisition slated to close in December 2024, suggesting the alleged smear effort may have been intended to protect the deal’s bottom line.