US creators react to DOJ's allegations of Russian propaganda in 2024 elections; call themselves 'victims'

Three well-known podcasters have denied any involvement or prior knowledge about a US company which hosted their content and had allegedly received close to $10 million from Russian state media workers, aiming to sway the 2024 presidential election.

Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and Dave Rubin said they were "victims" of what is believed to be a Russian-backed operation.

As per a US Department of Justice indictment, an unnamed company in Tennessee received nearly $10 million from two employees of RT,previously called Russia Today, a media outlet owned by the Russian government.

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The indictment suggested that the purpose was to "recruit unwitting American influencers" who would spread pro-Kremlin narratives in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Pool wrote, "Should these allegations prove true, I, as well as the other personalities and commentators, were deceived and are victims. I cannot speak for anyone else at the company as to what they do or to what they are instructed. That being said, we still do not know what is true, as these are only allegations. Putin is a scumbag, Russia sucks donkey b****."

Johnson said, "A year ago, a media startup pitched my company to provide content as an independent contractor. Our lawyers negotiated a standard, arms-length deal, which was later terminated. We are disturbed by the allegations in today's indictment, which make clear that myself and other influencers were victims in this alleged scheme. My lawyers will handle anyone who states or suggests otherwise."

Rubin posted, "These allegations clearly show that I and other commentators were the victims of this scheme. I knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity. Period."

On Wednesday (Sep5), the Justice Department said that it seized 32 domains linked to a Russian influence campaign accused of spreading propaganda designed to affect US and foreign elections.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated,"The sites we are seizing today were filled with Russian government propaganda that had been created by the Kremlin to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro-Russian policies and interests, and influence voters in the United States and other countries."

(With inputs from agencies)