They say that a lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth can even put on its shoes.

That saying is especially poignant as it relates to the so-called “reporting” of the local news media—many of whom aren’t only biased, but also regularly misrepresent objective facts.

Two textbook examples: Boise State Public Radio “journalist” James Dawson and InvestigateWest “democracy and extremism reporter” Daniel Walters, both of whom wrote unconscionably bad articles about our defamation case last week.

As I’ve shared before, we’re being sued by a drag performer for sounding the alarm on his sexualized performance. We had a hearing last Wednesday regarding several motions that had been filed in this case, including motions for summary judgment.

With all the media misinformation swirling around our case, it’s probably worth summarizing some of the key facts in the case:

• Our statements regarding the Coeur d’Alene drag show incident were true, as evidenced by video of the performance and confirmed by a video forensics expert—and truth remains an absolute defense in defamation cases.

• There has been no evidence presented to the court supporting the unfounded assertion that the video we reviewed was subject to content manipulation. Importantly, when our forensic expert reviewed the video evidence, he found that “nothing” in the videos we used “would be consistent with changing the meaning or content of the original video.”

• Both of our expert witnesses have provided the court with declarations testifying to their opinion that the video shows exposure of the drag performer’s testicle. You can see the photo of the incident that our forensic expert has provided the court by clicking here (please note that viewer discretion is advised).

• None of our statements were aimed at harming the drag performer involved. In fact, we originally sounded the alarm on the Coeur D’Alene drag show incident as just one example helping voters and legislators understand the type of performances occurring across the state—sexualized performances that harm our children. Although we will continue to fight for the innocence of our children, we also continue to pray for the redeeming love of God to grip the hearts of these performers.

As my grandpa would say, “Facts are stubborn things.” That’s a lesson that the mainstream media should learn. No matter how much reporters attempt to spin the narrative, the facts will be known—and ultimately, truth will prevail.

Unfortunately, our case won’t wrap up anytime soon. Our trial – which had been scheduled for late September – will now be delayed because of court scheduling problems. We will keep you updated as things progress.

Thank you for standing behind us and for your financial support that continues to sustain us through this challenging time.

Our political opponents and the news media can lie about us, but we must stand firm on God’s promise: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).