The child of convicted killer Alex Murdaugh, Buster Murdaugh, is suing multiple companies, including Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, for defamation over documentary series they were involved in.
The documentaries, both on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service and Netflix, feature statements that a complaint filed last Friday says “were defamatory and falsely accused the Plaintiff of being involved in the murder of Stephen Smith.”
“[A]s a result of the specific false and defamatory statements made by Defendants and republished by Defendants the Plaintiffs reputation has been irreparably damaged, and he has suffered mental anguish,” the South Carolina complaint continues.
Buster Murdaugh has denied being a part of the 2015 death of Smith, a high school classmate, pushing back in a past statement to NBC News against “vicious rumors” that allege he was involved in it.
“I have tried my best to ignore the vicious rumors about my involvement in Stephen Smith’s tragic death that continue to be published in the media as I grieve over the brutal murders of my mother and brother,” he said.
Buster Murdaugh’s father was sentenced to life in prison in July of last year for the 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and Paul Murdaugh, his other son.
“This has gone on far too long. These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false,” Buster Murdaugh said in his statement to NBC News “I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family.”
The Hill has reached out to an attorney for Murdaugh, Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix.
