Amazon Tribe Sues Media for Defamation Over Internet Report

Los Angeles, California — The Marubo tribe, an Indigenous community from the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times (NYT) and other media outlets, claiming they were unfairly depicted in a report about their internet access. The lawsuit asserts that the report labeled the Marubo people as unable to handle exposure to high-speed internet, specifically highlighting claims that their youth had become addicted to pornography.

This lawsuit, which includes TMZ and Yahoo as defendants, seeks at least $180 million in damages. It alleges that the articles misrepresented the tribe’s culture and traditions while mocking their youth, according to sources. The Marubo tribe, consisting of around 2,000 members, gained internet access through a Starlink satellite service provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

The original NYT report, published in June 2024, noted both positive effects of the internet, such as improved communication and health monitoring, along with challenges, including increased screen time among teenagers and exposure to inappropriate content. The article mentioned concerns from tribal leaders about young men sharing explicit videos, a significant issue in their traditional culture.

In response to the article, a spokesperson for the NYT stated that the piece did not suggest any of the tribe’s members were addicted to porn. Instead, it presented a nuanced view of the benefits and complications of new technology in the community. The NYT expressed their intent to defend against the lawsuit vigorously.

The lawsuit claims that the reporting has caused humiliation and irreparable harm to the Marubo people, widely portrayed as technologically challenged and morally degraded by its content. Plaintiffs include community leader Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra, who facilitated the distribution of the Starlink equipment to the tribe.

According to the lawsuit, the NYT’s initial coverage ignited a global media frenzy, leading to sensational headlines and broader public ridicule. The plaintiffs argued that the portrayal not only attacked their reputation but also undermined their cultural values and dignity.

In a follow-up article, the NYT clarified that the Marubo tribe was not addicted to pornography, yet the damage, according to complaint, had already been done. As the tribe continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities brought by the internet, they seek restitution for the societal harm caused by this misrepresentation.