Buster Murdaugh Scores Legal Win In WBD Defamation Case

Buster Murdaugh, the son of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, achieved a legal milestone last week when a federal judge allowed his defamation lawsuit against several media companies, including Warner Bros. and Blackfin, to proceed, as reported on June 14, 2025. 

Former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon described the decision as a "victory" for Buster, emphasizing its significance in addressing reputational damage caused by media coverage.

The lawsuit, initially filed in Hampton County in June 2024, alleges that documentaries produced by Warner Bros., Netflix, and others falsely implicated Buster in the 2015 death of his former classmate, Stephen Smith, whose body was found on a rural road. 

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The media companies are accused of "defamation by implication" by airing interviews and rumors suggesting Buster's involvement, despite no evidence linking him to the crime. Smith's death, initially ruled a hit-and-run, was reclassified as a homicide in 2023, but no suspects have been named, and Buster has consistently denied any involvement.

Condon highlighted that the media outlets juxtaposed unverified rumors with official documents, creating a misleading narrative that severely harmed Buster's reputation. The judge's refusal to dismiss the case, as sought by Warner Bros. and Blackfin on First Amendment grounds, allows Buster to pursue claims that the defamatory content reached millions of viewers. The case has been partially remanded to Hampton County state court for some defendants, while others remain in federal court, potentially complicating the legal battle but giving Buster a strategic advantage in his home county.

This development follows intense media scrutiny of the Murdaugh family, fueled by Alex Murdaugh's 2023 conviction for killing his wife and son. Condon noted the high legal threshold for defamation cases, requiring proof of "actual malice," but expressed confidence in Buster’s resolve to clear his name despite the public spotlight.