Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre is seeking to broaden his defamation lawsuit against Mississippi Auditor Shad White to encompass a book authored by White that delves into the misallocation of welfare funds intended to aid some of the most economically disadvantaged individuals in the United States.
White's book, titled “Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America,” was released in August. Favre's legal team contends that both the title and the content of the book are defamatory, alleging false statements such as Favre diverting money meant for shelters and engaging in attempts to conceal this from the public and media. The book also accuses Favre of money laundering, a felony offense.
White, who is personally covering his legal expenses in the defamation case, expressed his commitment to upholding the truth despite the financial burden. He emphasized that Favre's lawsuit has incurred significant personal costs but affirmed his resolve to stand by the facts.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch ceased representing White in the defamation lawsuit earlier this year following White's announcement of the book detailing the welfare scandal. The book highlights Fitch's alleged delay in recovering misused funds and her recommendation to enlist private attorneys for the restitution process.
While Favre has not been charged with any criminal offenses, he is one of over three dozen individuals or entities targeted in Mississippi's efforts to reclaim misappropriated funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
White previously disclosed that Favre received speaking fees from a nonprofit organization that utilized welfare funds, with Favre failing to fulfill the speaking engagements. The funds were intended for a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre's daughter was a member of the volleyball team.
Although Favre has repaid $1.1 million, White asserts that the Pro Football Hall of Famer still owes approximately $730,000 due to accrued interest on the original sum.
In February 2023, Favre initiated defamation lawsuits against White, as well as former NFL players turned sports broadcasters Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee, over remarks made regarding Favre's involvement in the welfare scandal.
A federal appeals court recently declined to revive Favre's lawsuit against Sharpe, which had been dismissed by a district court judge. Additionally, in May 2023, Favre withdrew his lawsuit against McAfee subsequent to an apology from McAfee for insinuating that Favre had been 'stealing from poor people in Mississippi.'
