Lawyer Claims "Foxitis" Caused Client to Participate in Capitol Riot
The Claim
A man who participated in January’s Capitol riot is attempting to use the defense that “Foxitis” caused his actions.
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Emerging story
During a May 6th hearing, attorney Joseph Hurley claimed that his client had “Foxitis” when he participated in January 6th’s riot at the U.S. Capitol. His client, Anthony Antonio is being charged with unlawful and violent entry of the Capitol, police obstruction, and destruction of government property. Hurley also referred to his client’s motivation as “Foxmania,” or a predilection to watch too much Fox News.
Misbar’s Analysis
Our investigation found that it is true that Antonio’s lawyer claimed his client had “Foxitis.” The Huffington Post first covered the remarks of the May 6th hearing, which was held virtually. Hurley described how Antonio had moved in with several people that were, for the last six months, watching Fox News constantly. “He became hooked with what I call ‘Foxitus,’” the attorney said, “and started believing what was being fed to him.”
The next day Hurley stated in a phone interview with NBC that after being exposed to Fox News for 6-8 hours a day, “he became infected with the misinformation provided by them.” This doubling-down on blaming Fox News is rhetoric only provided by Antonio’s lawyer, however. Antonio later gave an interview with Hurley to CNN, and when asked if he blames Fox News he stated he took full responsibility for his actions.
There is a very long list of people being charged with various acts related to the January 6th riot, and Antonio is not the first to blame a media outlet. Earlier in the year, Jessica Watkins, who is a militia leader for a group called the “Oath Keepers,” claimed “right-wing media" pushed her to her actions.
