Hunter Biden was awarded $1.7 million in punitive damages Friday after a federal judge ruled former Overstock.com CEO Patrick Byrne defamed him by repeatedly promoting “false” claims that he participated in an $800 million Iranian bribery scheme.
U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson found Byrne acted with “intentional misrepresentation” and “conscious disregard” for Hunter Biden’s rights, ruling he continued amplifying the allegations even after the lawsuit was filed and encouraged others to spread them on social media.
The judge awarded Hunter Biden $1 in nominal damages, as requested, and $1.7 million in punitive damages. Byrne was also ordered to pay nearly $35,000 in previously imposed court sanctions within two weeks or face an additional $1,000 daily penalty for late payment.
The lawsuit centered on Byrne’s claims that Hunter Biden sought a bribe from Iran in exchange for influencing Joe Biden to release $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets and reduce pressure during nuclear negotiations. Hunter Biden denied the allegations, arguing Byrne knowingly republished false claims.
