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

The Marubo tribe, which consists of about 2,000 members, claims that the publication's portrayal of their community led to damaging narrative surrounding their use of technology.

An Indigenous Amazonian tribe is suing the New York Times (NYT) in a defamation case over a report that they argue has unfairly damaged their reputation. The Marubo tribe, approximately 2,000 members strong, asserts that the NYT's article, detailing their newfound access to high-speed internet, mischaracterized them as "unable to manage basic exposure to the internet" and suggested their youth were suffering from pornography addiction. The lawsuit also implicates other media outlets, including TMZ and Yahoo, for amplifying the NYT's claims, which the Marubo assert led to a "global media storm" negatively affecting their community.

The tribe is seeking $180 million (£133 million) in damages, stating that the original reporting portrayed them in an unfavorable light. Amy Walker of BBC News reported that the NYT article highlighted existing societal issues like "teenagers glued to phones" and the emergence of "more aggressive sexual behavior," which the community sees as misrepresentation. In response, the NYT clarified that they never stated the Marubo were addicted to pornography, and they even published a follow-up piece to refute the rampant misinformation.

Community leader Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra, acting as plaintiffs, claim the sensationalized coverage has led to humiliation, harassment, and significant risk to their safety. They argue that media narratives surrounding their access to technology have created doubt about their traditions and culture. The NYT's representative has responded by asserting that their article was intended as a nuanced exploration of technology's impact on the tribe. They pledge to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations.