Amazon Tribe Takes Legal Action Against New York Times Over Defamation Claims

The Marubo tribe seeks $180 million in damages after a New York Times article suggested their youth had become addicted to pornography due to increased internet access.

An Indigenous tribe from the Amazon, the Marubo, has filed a lawsuit against the New York Times (NYT), alleging the newspaper's coverage of their newfound access to high-speed internet has led to damaging claims about its members, including labels of “porn addicts.” The tribe alleges that the report misrepresented their community's ability to navigate the digital world and has caused them significant harm.

The lawsuit, which includes defendants TMZ and Yahoo, accuses the NYT of portraying the Marubo tribe as incapable of managing basic internet exposure, implying that many of its youth had become obsessed with pornography. This narrative purportedly sparked a "global media storm," subjecting the tribe to ridicule and negative stereotypes.

The NYT's original story, published shortly after the Marubo gained access to SpaceX’s Starlink services, cited issues common to internet-using households in the U.S., including excessive smartphone use and exposure to violent content. It emphasized concerns from community leaders about the negative effects of pornography, including reports of more aggressive behavior from young men. While acknowledging some benefits—such as connection with family and improved reporting on environmental issues—the NYT maintained that no direct claims of addiction were made.

In the wake of the initial article, the lawsuit states that other media entities sensationalized the NYT's narrative, with headlines and stories that added to the tribe’s distress and distorted their cultural practices. The Marubo are seeking $180 million in damages for what they describe as defamation, humiliation, and threats against their reputation and safety due to the fallout from the article.

Community leaders Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra, who facilitated the Starlink setup, argue that the misinformation has resulted in “irreparable harm” to their lives. The NYT has committed to defending itself vigorously, asserting their article offered a fair insight into the technological challenges faced by the Marubo.