Kevin O'Leary Sued Over China Funding Claims: Utah Data Center Fallout

Kevin O'Leary was sued by two Utah activists after alleging that criticism of his massive AI data center project was funded by Chinese money.

Utah Data Center Saga: O'Leary's Outburst

O'Leary claimed that the blockage of his 40,000‑acre (approximately 16,187 hectares) Utah AI data center was orchestrated by China. He labeled policy adviser Gabi Finlayson and attorney Josh Kanter as "proxies for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)."

Defamation Lawsuit Unpacked

Finlayson and Kanter filed a defamation suit against O'Leary and Fox News Network, asserting that the public statements caused:

■"Devastating reputational harm" to the plaintiffs;

■Economic losses amounting to millions of dollars;

■Ongoing emotional distress and threats to physical safety;

■Fox News broadcasting O'Leary's accusations five times within three weeks.

Media Amplification and Fox News' Role

The complaint alleges that Fox News amplified O'Leary's "China‑backed" narrative, constituting a "smear campaign" against the plaintiffs. The case revives the debate on media liability and the limits of defamation in high‑profile commentary.

Potential Financial Fallout

■Litigation costs: Estimated $10 million for defense and potential damages;

■O'Leary's investment portfolio: Possible devaluation of the data‑center project and related tech equities;

■Fox News: Exposure to fines and reputational damage under media‑responsibility statutes.

Market participants should note that O'Leary's public influence and the outcome of this lawsuit could reshape risk perception around U.S. tech and infrastructure investments. A high‑profile entrepreneur being linked to China may prompt investors to reassess regional and global risk matrices.