Conservative podcasters respond to allegations of Russian influence

Three prominent podcasters have insisted they were unaware that a US network hosting their content allegedly received nearly $10 million from employees of the Russian state broadcaster seeking to influence the 2024 presidential election.

Tim Pool, Benny Johnson and Dave Rubin all strongly denied any wrongdoing and described themselves as “victims” of the plan that was reportedly backed by Moscow.

According to a Justice Department indictment, an unnamed Tennessee company received nearly $10 million from two employees of RT, a Russian state-owned media network.

CNN said it had “independently confirmed” that the company was Tenet Media, a content creation platform that presents shows for Pool, Johnson and Rubin.

The indictment alleges that the scheme was designed to recruit “unwitting American influencers” to spread Kremlin-sympathetic stories in the run-up to the November presidential election.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Pool wrote: “If these allegations turn out to be true, I and the other personalities and commentators have been misled and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company about what they do or what they are instructed to do.”

He added: “That said, we still don’t know what’s true, because these are just allegations. Putin is a scoundrel, Russia sucks asses.”

Johnson wrote: “A year ago, a media startup approached my company to provide content as an independent contractor. Our attorneys negotiated a standard, arm’s-length deal, which was later terminated. We are troubled by the allegations in today’s complaint, which make it clear that I and other influencers were victims of this alleged scheme. My attorneys will pursue anyone who claims or suggests otherwise.”

Rubin noted, “These allegations clearly show that I and other commentators were victims of this scheme. I knew absolutely nothing about these fraudulent activities. Period.”

Newsweek contacted Tenet Media for comment outside of regular business hours.

This is a breaking story. More to come.