South Carolina Representatives Lee Hewitt of Murrells Inlet, and Chris Murphy, of Dorchester County, have been sued for defaming a Myrtle Beach resident.
In the suit, the plaintiff claims:
Between the dates of April 16 and April 29, 2024, Defendants approached numerous members of the South Carolina House of Representatives to tell them that plaintiff was a domestic abuser and that he abused his ex-wife.
The false allegations made by Defendants went beyond the legislature and were made to members of the general public.
Defendants knew or should have known that the plaintiff was not a domestic abuser and did not abuse his ex-wife.
Defendant Hewitt was directly informed that his statements were false by a fellow legislator, yet continued to disseminate the false statements to other people.
Defendant Chris Murphy stated that “House Leadership” instructed him to spread the information that plaintiff was a domestic abuser.
The final Order from the South Carolina Family Court in the domestic action between the plaintiff and his ex-wife specifically found there was “no evidence of abuse.” This Order is a matter of public record and readily available to Defendants at the time they engaged in the campaign to damage Plaintiff’s reputation.
Defendants Chris Murphy and Lee Hewitt acted with actual malice and with the intent to destroy the reputation of the plaintiff for illegitimate purposes.
While Representative Lee Hewitt rarely makes the news, sources close to MyrtleBeachSC have stated he is a front runner for the House Majority Whip position during the 2025 session.
Representative Chris Murphy makes headlines often.
A 2022 article featured on Fitsnews was titled:
South Carolina Legislative Leader Confirms He Is Receiving Treatment For ‘Alcohol Abuse’
The article quotes Chris Murphy as stateing, “It has come to my attention that questions about my health have arisen publicly,” Murphy said in a statement provided to reporter Joseph Bustos of The (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper. “While this issue is deeply personal, I would like to share that after struggling with alcohol abuse, I have sought treatment and am currently taking steps to ensure I am healthy moving forward.”
Lee Hewitt Chris Murphy Sued by MyrtleBeachSC news
This matter is headed for Horry County’s 15th Circuit Court.