Amazon Tribe Files Defamation Suit Against New York Times Over Internet Addiction Claims

The Marubo tribe from the Amazon is taking legal action against the New York Times and other media outlets for allegedly defaming them over claims of internet-related addiction.

An Amazonian tribe, the Marubo, has launched a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times (NYT) and other media outlets, claiming a report regarding their access to high-speed internet led to harmful portrayals of their community. The lawsuit argues that the NYT article depicted the Marubo tribe as unable to cope with basic internet exposure, specifically alleging that their youth became addicted to pornography.

The complaint names TMZ and Yahoo alongside the NYT, asserting these outlets perpetuated negative stereotypes about the tribe's youth and traditions. The NYT has countered that their report did not claim any tribe members were addicted to porn, suggesting the article has been misinterpreted. The Marubo community is demanding approximately $180 million (£133 million) in damages.

The NYT's initial report was published nine months after the Marubo tribe gained access to the Starlink satellite-internet service, initiated by Elon Musk's SpaceX. The article noted that the tribe faced challenges similar to those in American households, such as excessive phone use and exposure to violent video games. It included statements from community leaders about concerns over increased sexual behavior among youth, leading to widespread media reactions.

Following the backlash from the original article, which was interpreted as painting an alarming picture of the tribe's internet experience, a follow-up appeared with a clarifying headline asserting that the Marubo did not become addicted to pornography. This clarification came after the NYT identified over 100 sites that inaccurately reported the tribe's situation.

The named plaintiffs in the lawsuit, community leader Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra, reported that the NYT's story ignited a "global media storm," resulting in humiliation, harassment, and threats to their safety. They highlighted that the TMZ coverage included video content that suggested they were responsible for exposing the Marubo to inappropriate material, aggravating the situation.

In response, a spokesperson for the NYT emphasized that the article offered a sensitive discussion of the complexities introduced by modern technology in an Indigenous community with deep cultural roots, asserting their intent to defend against the allegations vigorously.