Context:

UnitedHealth Group has launched a vigorous campaign to suppress critics, invoking the murder of its executive, Brian Thompson, to argue that criticism may incite further violence. Filmmaker Mary Strause experienced this firsthand when her docuseries was removed from Amazon and Vimeo following defamation claims by UnitedHealth. The company has also targeted journalists, investors, and doctors with legal threats to deter negative publicity, especially amid ongoing investigations into its practices. Dr. Elisabeth Potter faced backlash after criticizing UnitedHealth in a viral video, leading to further complications with her business prospects. The Guardian was sued for defamation just before releasing another critical investigation, highlighting UnitedHealth's aggressive legal strategy to silence its detractors.

Dive Deeper:

• UnitedHealth Group has undertaken a legal campaign to silence critics by leveraging the murder of its executive, Brian Thompson, to suggest that criticism could lead to violence. This strategy has been aimed at various individuals and organizations, including journalists, investors, filmmakers, and doctors.

• Filmmaker Mary Strause had her critical docuseries about the U.S. healthcare industry removed from Amazon and Vimeo after UnitedHealth claimed the content was defamatory, illustrating the company's efforts to control its public image.

• UnitedHealth has faced significant investigative scrutiny regarding its billing practices and potential legal violations, which has led them to employ aggressive tactics to reduce negative coverage and maintain their stock price.

• Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a plastic surgeon, came under fire from UnitedHealth after posting a viral video criticizing the company's insurance practices. UnitedHealth's legal team demanded a retraction, and the incident affected Dr. Potter's business relations with the company.

• The Guardian was targeted with a defamation lawsuit by UnitedHealth the day before it planned to publish another investigation into the company, prompting the publication to delay the release. This lawsuit is part of UnitedHealth's broader strategy to stifle critical reporting.

• UnitedHealth's actions reflect a broader trend of companies and wealthy individuals using legal threats to suppress dissent, a practice that has increased over time according to First Amendment experts.

• Despite these threats, some critics, like investor Bill Ackman, have reversed course after further investigation, publicly supporting those who speak out against UnitedHealth's practices. The ongoing conflict between UnitedHealth and its critics underscores the tension between corporate power and freedom of speech.