The Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into the leak of behind-the-scenes footage featuring former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
In a letter obtained by CNN, US Attorney Roger Handberg and Assistant US Attorney Jay Trezevant informed Fox News of the probe, stating that the Justice Department currently considers Fox Corporation as a potential victim-witness in the alleged criminal activity.
The letter, dated Thursday, outlined the various potential criminal violations being investigated, including unauthorized access of a computer, interception, and disclosure of communication, conspiracy, and other federal criminal statutes. The DOJ specifically linked the investigation to the leaked videos published by progressive watchdog Media Matters, which exposed Carlson making controversial remarks and mocking the Fox Nation streaming service.
After Carlson’s termination from Fox News in April, Media Matters released the footage, prompting a cease-and-desist letter from Fox in May, accusing the organization of unlawfully obtaining the unpublished material.
Media Matters defended its actions, asserting that it was reporting on newsworthy leaked content, which it considers a fundamental aspect of journalism. Despite the demand from Fox News, Media Matters continued to release additional leaked footage of Carlson.
The Justice Department’s letter to Fox News explicitly tied the ongoing criminal investigation to the leaked videos published by Media Matters. It also mentioned leaked footage from Carlson’s interview with Kanye West, which was published by Vice News. Media Matters reiterated its position on reporting newsworthy material, while Vice News declined to comment.
The DOJ’s letter emphasized that it was not making any allegations or suggestions of wrongdoing against the publishers of the leaked videos. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the FBI executed a search warrant at the residence of former Deadspin video editor Timothy Burke.
While the DOJ letter did not mention Burke, Mark Rasch, an attorney representing Burke, confirmed that a search warrant had been executed at his client’s home. Rasch stated that Burke denies any criminal misconduct and had not yet seen the affidavit supporting the search warrant.
As of now, Tucker Carlson has not provided a comment on the matter, and the FBI declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.