John Oliver's wisecracking jokes have finally gotten him into some legal trouble as a coal mining mogul has filed suit against the comedian and Last Week Tonight following a lengthy string of insults on the latest episode of the show.
On the June 18 episode of the show, John Oliver spent nearly 30 minutes trash-talking conservative coal tycoon Robert Murray, who heads up Murray Energy. Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he's being sued for defamation.
In 2007, nine miners died in a coal mine collapse. Murray has since insisted that the collapse was caused by an earthquake, but Oliver pointed the blame squarely at the mogul.
Further stoking the coals, Oliver called Murray a "geriatric Dr. Evil," complaining that the comedian had someone dress up in a squirrel costume and deliver the phrase, "Eat shit, Bob!" After the show aired, Murray Energy's website was reportedly hacked and defaced with the same message.
On the segment, which is viewable below, Oliver added, "I know you're probably going to sue me over this. But you know what? I stand by everything I said."
HBO and Time-Warner are named as defendants alongside John Oliver.
On the June 18 episode of the show, John Oliver spent nearly 30 minutes trash-talking conservative coal tycoon Robert Murray, who heads up Murray Energy. Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, he's being sued for defamation.
In 2007, nine miners died in a coal mine collapse. Murray has since insisted that the collapse was caused by an earthquake, but Oliver pointed the blame squarely at the mogul.
Further stoking the coals, Oliver called Murray a "geriatric Dr. Evil," complaining that the comedian had someone dress up in a squirrel costume and deliver the phrase, "Eat shit, Bob!" After the show aired, Murray Energy's website was reportedly hacked and defaced with the same message.
On the segment, which is viewable below, Oliver added, "I know you're probably going to sue me over this. But you know what? I stand by everything I said."
HBO and Time-Warner are named as defendants alongside John Oliver.
