Delaware Judge Dismisses UnitedHealth's 6 Defamation Claims Against Guardian
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Delaware Judge Dismisses UnitedHealth's 6 Defamation Claims Against Guardian
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Summary
Judge Calvin Scott threw out all six defamation claims in UnitedHealth's Delaware suit over a Guardian investigation into payments to nursing homes to curb hospital transfers.
Scott said the article's description of the bonuses as "secret" or made "secretly" was substantially true, and ruled omitted facts did not make the reporting false.
The May 2025 lawsuit targeted both Guardian US and its UK parent, but the court granted the Guardian's motions to dismiss after the outlet argued UnitedHealth had not stated a viable claim.
Guardian US called the ruling a victory for factual reporting and press freedom, while UnitedHealth had not publicly responded by Tuesday and still has the option to appeal.