An Indigenous tribe from the Amazon, known as the Marubo, is making headlines for suing the New York Times (NYT) and other media platforms over a story that they argue misrepresented their internet experience. The lawsuit claims that a report detailing the tribe's new access to satellite internet falsely painted the Marubo as a community struggling with pornographic content and harmful internet use.
This article sparked a "global media storm," according to community members, leading to allegations of porn addiction within their ranks. The tribe is seeking $180 million in damages, arguing that the report, along with sensational headlines from outlets like TMZ and Yahoo, has subjected them to ridicule, harassment, and significant damage to their reputation.
The controversial NYT piece highlighted issues faced by U.S. teens, suggesting the Marubo were facing similar challenges, which included claims about pornography affecting their youth. Though the NYT clarified that it did not imply addiction, the tribe believes the report led to a distortion of their image. In an effort to defend themselves, the tribe's representatives, including Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra, stated that their names have been inadvertently attached to negative and misleading narratives that have caused them emotional and reputational harm.
The NYT's spokesperson stands by its original reporting as a nuanced look at the challenges posed by new technology in the clan's historical context, promising to fight the lawsuit vigorously.
