X subsidiary sues US media watchdog in Singapore following defamation lawsuits in US, Ireland

A subsidiary of X, the social media company that owns the platform formerly known as Twitter, has initiated legal proceedings in Singapore against US-based media watchdog Media Matters for America.

The lawsuit, filed by Twitter Asia Pacific (TAP), accuses Media Matters of defamation and malicious falsehood over a 2023 article that allegedly misrepresented content on X.

TAP, which represents X in the Asia-Pacific region, is seeking nearly US$13 million (S$17.4 million) in damages for lost advertising revenue. The company claims that Media Matters’ article led to significant ad withdrawals by major brands, causing substantial financial losses.

This lawsuit in Singapore is the latest in a series of legal actions against Media Matters over the same article.

In November 2023, X filed a lawsuit in a Texas district court, followed by a lawsuit in December 2023 by its Irish subsidiary, Twitter International Unlimited, in the Irish High Court.

The Media Matters article in question alleged that advertisements from major brands, including IBM and Apple, had appeared alongside content promoting Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party on X.

Following the report’s publication, several advertisers suspended their campaigns on the platform. In response, X owner Elon Musk condemned the report and vowed a “thermonuclear lawsuit” against Media Matters.

According to the Straits Times, TAP filed its claim in the Singapore High Court in July 2024, and in August, legal documents were served to Media Matters at its Washington, DC, office.

In October 2024, Media Matters responded by challenging the Singapore court’s jurisdiction and requesting a stay of proceedings due to the multiple related lawsuits in other countries. TAP countered that its legal action was distinct from those in the US and Ireland, as it sought damages specific to its own losses.

Media Matters later applied to have the Singapore claim struck out, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case. Alternatively, it sought a stay of the proceedings. The matter remains pending, with the last exchange heard on 7 February.

TAP is represented by Andy Leck from Wong & Leow, while Media Matters has engaged Senior Counsel Cavinder Bull from Drew & Napier. The US lawsuit against Media Matters is scheduled for trial in April 2025.

Separately, Media Matters has faced significant layoffs since the legal suits started, with several employees, including researcher Katherine “Kat Abu” Abughazaleh, announcing their departures on X. Media Matters President Angelo Carusone stated that the layoffs were necessary to ensure the organisation’s sustainability amid mounting legal challenges.

Carusone also defended the watchdog’s reporting, calling X’s lawsuit a “frivolous” attempt to silence criticism. In addition to X’s lawsuits, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Media Matters, alleging potential public deception by left-leaning organisations.