In a significant legal move, the Marubo tribe from the Amazon rainforest has filed a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times (NYT). They claim a report by the newspaper inaccurately depicted them as a community unable to cope with high-speed internet, leading to negative labeling of their youth as "porn addicts." This lawsuit also targets TMZ and Yahoo for allegedly sensationalizing the report, which suggests that young members of the tribe are struggling with issues like excessive phone use and exposure to pornography.
The contentious article highlighted the potential challenges facing the Marubo after they were provided with Starlink internet services, mentioning reactions from community leaders who expressed concern over the impact of such exposure. Following the backlash, the NYT published a clarifying piece to counter claims that the Marubo are addicted to porn, indicating that more than 100 outlets had spread false narratives.
Plaintiffs Enoque Marubo and activist Flora Dutra argue that the report incited a "global media storm," causing them personal and communal harm, including humiliation and threats. The NYT has defended its piece as a thoughtful look at the intersection of technology and indigenous culture, asserting plans to vigorously contest the lawsuit.
