Former T-Mobile CEO John Legere Faces Deposition in $100M Defamation Suit
Florida Businessman Grant Cardone Rejects Settlement Offer, Pushes for Deposition
Former T-Mobile CEO John Legere is set to be deposed in a high-stakes $100 million defamation lawsuit brought by Florida businessman Grant Cardone. The lawsuit, which has drawn significant attention, stems from a series of inflammatory comments made by Legere that Cardone claims have caused substantial harm to his business and reputation.
Settlement Offer Rejected
Legere recently attempted to resolve the dispute by proposing a settlement that included a public apology to Cardone. However, Cardone, a billionaire private equity fund manager and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, rejected the offer. According to sources familiar with the situation, Cardone found the proposed settlement inadequate and insisted that Legere reimburse him for the more than $100 million in damages he claims to have suffered.
Deposition Set to Raise Stakes
With the settlement offer declined, Legere now faces a deposition, a legal process that will involve extensive questioning under oath regarding his past comments. The prospect of a deposition significantly raises the stakes for Legere, as it will require him to address the controversial statements that are central to the defamation case.
Background of the Case
The defamation suit was filed by Cardone in January 2024 in a Florida state court following a series of heated public exchanges between the two on social media platforms, including Clubhouse and Twitter/X. These exchanges, which were characterized by mutual accusations ands, culminated in personal attack Legere allegedly making several defamatory statements about Cardone, including accusations of fraud. In one instance, Legere reportedly referred to Cardone as a ‘bullshit artist and sales and marketing guy who is always selling something.’
Legere has attempted to defend his comments as protected opinionated speech, arguing that his statements, such as calling Cardone a fraud, fall under the category of personal opinion. However, Cardone’s lawsuit contends that these comments have caused significant damage to his business, resulting in approximately $100 million in lost revenue. Additionally, the suit claims that Legere’s remarks have deterred potential business partners from engaging in deals with Cardone.
Legal Implications and Political Connections
The case has garnered attention beyond the business world due to Cardone’s close ties to former President Donald Trump. Cardone, a New York Times bestselling author and a notable figure in the business community, has been a vocal Trump supporter. In 2022, Trump was a keynote speaker at Cardone’s 10X Growth conference in Hollywood, where he reiterated his claims about the 2020 election.
In February 2024, Cardone and his wife initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover some of Trump’s legal costs following a fraud judgment against the former president. The campaign, which has raised over $2 million, reflects Cardone’s continued influence and support within Trump’s circle. This support could potentially impact the case, as it underscores Cardone’s significant financial resources and his determination to see the case through to the end.
As the legal battle unfolds, the upcoming deposition is poised to bet in the case, potentially tipping the scales in the $100 million defamation suit. Both parties have chosen to remain silent on the ongoing litigation, leaving the business and pivotal modern political communities on the edge of their seats as they await the unfolding events.