Ted DiBiase Sr., the former professional wrestler, is embroiled in a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White amid ongoing legal turmoil concerning the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) scandal. The lawsuit, filed in August of last year, seeks to address alleged defamatory statements made by White in his book “Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America,” which discusses the misappropriation of welfare funds in the state.
According to the complaint submitted to the Hinds County Circuit Court, DiBiase claims that White’s assertions depicted him as complicit in the misuse of TANF funds, damaging his reputation and resulting in the closure of his nonprofit organization, Heart of David Ministries, in 2025. DiBiase asserts that no court has found him liable for any associated wrongdoing, and he firmly denies the allegations against him, which have been brought forth by the Mississippi Department of Human Services as part of a larger civil suit alleging over $1.7 million in improper fund transfers.
In his lawsuit, DiBiase is not only pursuing damages but also seeks a temporary restraining order to prevent further publication of White’s book. He argues that such publications would cause irreparable harm and could potentially influence the juror pool for the ongoing DHS litigation. The legal action includes a direct challenge to the claims made in White’s book, which DiBiase contends are misleading or defamatory.
White, in response, has moved to dismiss the lawsuit on the basis of “absolute privilege,” a legal protection for public officials against defamation claims in connection with their official duties. He contends that DiBiase cannot substantiate the assertion that the statements were false or made with malice, a key requirement given DiBiase’s status as a public figure.
This lawsuit coincides with significant personal and legal battles within the DiBiase family, as two of Ted DiBiase Sr.’s sons are facing criminal charges related to the welfare scandal. Brett DiBiase, the youngest son, has already pleaded guilty in connection with the misappropriation of federal funds, while his older brother, Ted “Teddy” DiBiase Jr., is set to face federal charges, including wire fraud and theft concerning federally funded programs.
The ongoing legal controversies and allegations facing the DiBiase family underscore the widespread ramifications of the TANF scandal in Mississippi. This case not only highlights serious allegations of misuse of welfare funds but also raises essential questions about accountability and transparency in state welfare programs. As the legal proceedings continue, their outcome may significantly impact public perception and the future of welfare funding in Mississippi.