Miami philanthropists demand nearly $1B from Herald, accuse paper of smear campaign

Miami entrepreneurs and philanthropists David and Leila Centner have filed a defamation lawsuit against the Miami Herald, accusing the newspaper of falsely portraying them as corrupt in coverage of their proposed $10 million donation for a public sports dome in Miami.

The lawsuit claims that the newspaper “intentionally misrepresented public records” regarding the donation and “falsely accused them of bribery and corruption.” The Centners have not been charged with any crimes, and prosecutors have dismissed related charges against others. Despite this, the complaint alleges, the Herald continued to spread these claims.

According to the Centners, the reporting caused “lasting” damage to their reputations, as well as their business and charity efforts. They are seeking $885 million in damages and have pledged to donate 25 percent of any award to charity.

“For years, we have dedicated our time and resources to improving communities in Miami and beyond. We take no joy in suing the Miami Herald, the newspaper of my youth,” David Centner said in a statement reported by PR Newswire. "But the Miami Herald's repeated false reporting has damaged our reputation, diverted resources, and undermined our ability to serve. We will not allow this brazen and malicious takedown attempt to stand."

The Centners are represented by attorneys Megan Meier, Rod Smolla, and Shannon Timmann of Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch LLP. Meirer and Smolla previously represented Dominion Voting Systems in its $787.5 million defamation settlement with Fox News, the largest publicly known defamation settlement in US history.

Based in Miami, the Centners have donated millions to global initiatives, including programs that support underserved women and children through education, housing, and vocational training.