Mandela Barnes sues Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for defamation

Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes is suing the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for defamation over two articles the paper published shortly after he ended his campaign for governor. The articles reported on allegations that Barnes had used his political status to have sexual relationships with women. Barnes claims the stories contained false reporting and were informed by a reporter on staff at the paper with whom Barnes had previously had an intimate relationship. Barnes’ lawsuit against Wisconsin’s largest newspaper argues several facts were mischaracterized in two articles published in late July. One of the articles states the Democratic Party of Wisconsin hired an outside law firm to look into allegations of inappropriate relationships between Barnes and young women, who were adults. In a press release, Barnes’ attorney Michael Cerjak said the article describes an “outside probe and institutional investigation,” which Barnes claims never happened. Understanding Wisconsin, Together. WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter. Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Email Subscribe Barnes also claims the article’s implications he took advantage of his political status to seek sexual encounters with women are false, and alleged that a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter he’d had an intimate relationship with was involved in the story’s development. In a statement, Barnes said he understands seeking public office brings scrutiny and he respects the role of a free press. “Accuracy and fairness matter deeply when reporting affects a person’s reputation, family, and future,” Barnes said. “I dispute the reporting identified in this complaint and believe it created a materially false picture of me and my conduct. I asked the Journal Sentinel to correct it, and the newspaper declined. I am bringing this case so the disputed facts can be examined through the legal process.” Barnes is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages and a judge’s declaration that statements he is objecting to are false and defamatory. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editor Greg Borowski referred WPR’s request for comment to the USA Today public relations department, which did not immediately respond as of Tuesday afternoon. Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2026, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. Related Stories Tom Tiffany’s campaign blocks reporter from Milwaukee event Milwaukee family to sue ICE for father’s detention over fake threat against Trump Barnes ends bid for governor, calls for Democrats to unite Mandela Barnes is asking Democrats for another chance in governor’s race