Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Kia Farhang

'American Sniper' widow to appeal Ventura defamation verdict

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura's summer victory in a defamation lawsuit could go to a higher court for review.

Taya Kyle, the widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, asked the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday to overturn a federal jury's July decision to award Ventura $1.8 million. The jurors voted 8-2 that Chris Kyle's book, "American Sniper," defamed Ventura.

The book included a scene in which Kyle claimed to have punched a bar patron who, he said, had insulted the SEALs. The book referred to the patron as "Scruff Face," but Kyle later said he had been referring to Ventura. Ventura denied the fight took place and said the book hurt his reputation.

Ventura sued HarperCollins, the book's publisher, for defamation earlier this month. He claimed HarperCollins took advantage of the publicity that Kyle's story about Ventura generated.

A film adaptation of "American Sniper," directed by Clint Eastwood, is set for theatrical release on Thursday.

Taya Kyle became the defendant in the defamation case against her husband last year after he was killed on a Texas gun range.

Ventura attorney Court Anderson and Kyle attorney John Borger both declined to comment on the filing.