• Mark Robinson drops his libel lawsuit against CNN after allegations tying him to offensive online comments derailed his 2024 gubernatorial campaign.
• The CNN investigation linked Robinson to racist and homophobic remarks using a username tied to his online accounts, leading to widespread political fallout and loss of GOP support.
• Robinson steps back from politics, confirming he won’t pursue elected office in 2026 or beyond, amid ongoing debates about journalism ethics and public accountability.

Mark Robinson, the former North Carolina lieutenant governor embroiled in multiple controversies, has dropped his libel lawsuit against CNN. The lawsuit stemmed from an investigative report tying him to offensive online comments, a scandal that derailed his 2024 bid for governor.

Robinson Ends Legal Battle Over Defamatory Claims

The lawsuit, filed in Wake County last October, accused CNN of publishing “reckless and defamatory” claims about Robinson’s alleged activity on a pornography website. The report linked him to racist and homophobic comments, including calling Martin Luther King Jr. “worse than a maggot,” expressing pro-slavery views, and referring to himself as a “black NAZI.” CNN investigators connected Robinson to the comments using a username tied to other online accounts and corroborating biographical details.

Despite denying the allegations and claiming CNN acted with malice, Robinson’s legal team announced on Friday they would drop the suit. Robinson noted, “The price we’ve paid in the political arena will never be fully recognized. There is no dollar amount high enough.” CNN has declined to comment on the lawsuit’s dismissal.

Scandal’s Fallout Erodes Campaign Support

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The CNN report, published just weeks before the 2024 election, caused seismic damage to Robinson’s campaign. Following the report, top campaign staff resigned, and high-profile GOP figures, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, condemned Robinson as “unfit to serve.” Even Donald Trump, who had once endorsed Robinson and campaigned alongside him, distanced himself after the allegations surfaced.

Robinson initially vowed to stay in the race, dismissing the report as “salacious tabloid trash” in a preemptive campaign video. However, his campaign quickly unraveled, with polls showing him trailing significantly behind Democratic opponent Josh Stein, who ultimately won the governor’s race.

Robinson Steps Back From Politics

The former lieutenant governor had previously been seen as a rising star in the Republican Party and a potential challenger to Sen. Thom Tillis in 2026. However, Robinson confirmed he will not pursue elected office in the near future, stating, “I have no plans to run for office in 2026 or beyond.”

Ethical Questions and the Role of Journalism

Robinson’s case raises ongoing debates about the ethics of investigative journalism and the responsibilities of public figures. Critics argue that such scandals highlight the need for accountability, while supporters of Robinson claim the media unfairly targeted him.

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