Defamation Lawsuit Against Sauce Gardner and Barstool Sports Over OnlyFans Allegations
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner and Barstool Sports are currently embroiled in a defamation lawsuit following a controversial exchange on social media. The dispute centers around a tweet from Gardner accusing a critic, identified only as Mariakis, of sending him a link to an OnlyFans account.
Details of the Controversial Tweet and Blog Post
The controversy ignited when Gardner tweeted, "I'm sure your husband wouldn't like it if I told him you [direct messaged] me your OF link, would he?" In an amplifying move, Barstool Sports then published a blog post titled "If You're a Married OnlyFans Model Who's Been DMing Sauce Gardner, You’d Be Wise Not to Troll Him about His Coverage Skill." The post remains live, heightening the ongoing dispute.
The Legal Response from Mariakis
Mariakis has responded to these allegations by filing a defamation lawsuit against both Gardner and Barstool Sports, asserting that there is no truth to the claim of her having an OnlyFans account or her sending any such link. She vehemently denies the existence of the account and describes the accusations as "knowingly false and malicious," demanding compensatory and punitive damages, including court costs and legal fees.
She further claims that the fallout from these allegations has led to significant personal distress, including embarrassment, harassment, and damage to her reputation among peers, co-workers, and the wider public.
Impact and Consequences of the Allegations
The legal battle has unfolded amid another controversy involving Gardner from November 2020, where he faced backlash for inappropriate responses to a reporter and a fan after a Jets' game loss. Additionally, Gardner or his representative deleted the controversial tweet after the backlash escalated, indicating possible recognition of the gravity or inaccuracy of the accusations.
Public and Legal Repercussions
The case highlights the intersection of social media behavior by public figures and the legal boundaries around defamation and personal harassment. It also underscores the severe implications of social media disputes escalating into real-world consequences, affecting personal and professional lives.
