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?
Matt Sepic

Ventura 'vindicated' after settlement of defamation lawsuit

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura speaks to reporters.
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura speaks to reporters at the offices of the Henson Efron law firm on December 4, 2017.
Matt Sepic | MPR News

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!

Jesse Ventura on Monday said he feels "vindicated" after settling a defamation lawsuit over the book "American Sniper" — an autobiography about author Chris Kyle's commando training and multiple tours of duty in Iraq.

The former Minnesota governor sued Kyle in 2012 over a passage that describes an alleged bar fight with a man Kyle later identified as Ventura. Kyle claimed Ventura demeaned Navy SEALs, leading Kyle to punch him, knocking him to the floor.

Ventura said he was at the bar that day, but claims he never got into a fight with Kyle.

A federal jury awarded the former governor $1.8 million in 2014, but an appeals court overturned the verdict, saying some statements by Ventura's attorney improperly influenced the jury.

Ventura said he can't comment on the terms of the settlement, but said he never would have sued if Kyle had only apologized, and Ventura "would have gotten nothing then."

Kyle was killed at a Texas gun range in 2013. Ventura took a lot of flak on social media for continuing the lawsuit after Kyle's death. Ventura has made a point of saying that Kyle's widow isn't contributing to the settlement. The money is coming from insurance and the publishing company.

An attorney for Kyle's estate referred interview requests to the publisher, HarperCollins. The publisher did not respond to a request for comment