The owners of Renaissance Hospital in Groves have filed a defamation suit against Fox 4 KBTV and its website, setxhomepage.com, alleging the media outlets targeted the company with "adverse publicity."
The suit was filed Dec. 12 in Jefferson County District Court.
In its suit, Renaissance accuses the Fox station of airing and posting several stories that continue "to defame and libel" the company.
Although the suit does not cite the specific libelous content, Fox 4 has recently reported that Renaissance employees have been unable to cash their pay checks, allegedly because hospital owners lacked sufficient funds in their bank account. The stories have included interviews with former employees that were shown on the air and posted on the station's website.
"Many of these statements are false, and are defamatory," the suit states. "As a proximate result of the torts committed by these defendants ... plaintiff has sustained ... loss of revenue, loss of business, loss of good will and loss of reputation."
Renaissance is suing for punitive and actual damages.
Beaumont attorney John Morgan represents the company.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. A191-455