**UnitedHealthcare Sues The Guardian Over Defamation Allegations Related to Nursing Home Billing**

UnitedHealthcare has initiated legal action against The Guardian, alleging defamation following a story published by the outlet. The article, which appeared on May 21, claimed that the healthcare corporation was cutting costs at the expense of nursing home residents' health.

Filed on Wednesday, UnitedHealthcare's lawsuit contends that The Guardian knowingly disseminated false information. The complaint accuses the publication of exploiting the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare's former CEO, Brian Thompson, who was killed in New York last year, to draw attention to their article. According to UnitedHealthcare, The Guardian manipulated email screenshots and misrepresented medical events to support its claims.

"The Guardian knew these accusations were false, but published them anyway, brazenly trying to capitalize on the tragic and shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare's then-CEO, Brian Thompson," the complaint alleges. UnitedHealthcare has enlisted Clare Locke, a law firm known for its vigorous defamation litigations against media entities, to represent its interests.

In response to the lawsuit, The Guardian remains steadfast, asserting that their reporting is based on substantial evidence. “The Guardian stands by its deeply-sourced, independent reporting, which is based on thousands of corporate and patient records, publicly filed lawsuits, declarations submitted to federal and state agencies, and interviews with more than 20 current and former UnitedHealth employees - as well as statements and information provided by UnitedHealth itself over several weeks,” a spokesperson for The Guardian stated. The publication condemned UnitedHealthcare's lawsuit as a misguided attempt to silence factual reporting on critical healthcare practices.

UnitedHealthcare's troubles have compounded since the murder of its former CEO. The company recently announced the replacement of Andrew Witty as CEO due to disappointing financial performance and uncertain future projections. The Wall Street Journal has also reported ongoing Department of Justice investigations into potential Medicare fraud involving the company.

Adding to its challenges, UnitedHealthcare faces a lawsuit from its investors who claim the company failed to adjust its earnings forecasts in light of CEO Thompson’s death. Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the man charged with Thompson’s murder, is seeking to dismiss his charge on double jeopardy grounds and has requested that he not be required to wear shackles or a bulletproof vest in court.