Benny Johnson Accuses New York Times of Defamation Over Disputed Arson Report

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson has publicly accused The New York Times of publishing a "hit piece" that he claims defames his family by downplaying the danger they faced during a 2020 arson incident at their former Washington D.C. home. Johnson announced on social media that his attorneys have notified the Times of potential libel and defamation.

In a detailed social media post, Johnson shared what he described as security camera footage from the incident, stating, > "Watch my security cameras capture DC Police Officers using a crowbar to rip my front door open as neighbors scream 'There’s a baby inside!' Black smoke from the inferno fills my child’s nursery. Moments later, my terrified wife runs out of the home with our newborn in her arms." He asserted that the fire rendered their home uninhabitable, forcing them to relocate to Florida.

The New York Times, in an article published on August 30, 2025, disputed several of Johnson's claims regarding the incident. The Times reported that while a neighbor's house was intentionally set on fire, Johnson's own home was not burned, though it was affected by smoke. Police records cited by the Times also indicated no murders occurred on Johnson's block since 2017, contrary to his broader claims about D.C. crime.

The controversy follows Johnson's recent appearance at a White House press briefing, where he used his platform to highlight what he called his personal experience with D.C. crime, including the arson. The New York Times article also delved into Johnson's past, noting his firing from BuzzFeed for plagiarism in 2014 and subsequent allegations of similar conduct at Independent Journal Review, as well as his role in amplifying conspiracy theories.

Johnson, who has amassed millions of followers across social media platforms, framed the Times' article as a "badge of honor," stating, > "You should judge a man by his enemies. I’m proud to have the New York Times work so hard on a hit piece about me." He concluded his statement by affirming his commitment to fighting for the security of American parents alongside the Trump Administration.