Two IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, have filed a defamation lawsuit against Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, accusing him of spreading false claims that severely damaged their reputations.

The lawsuit centers on accusations made by Lowell about the whistleblowers in response to allegations that the Justice Department gave Hunter Biden preferential treatment during a tax investigation which ultimately led to criminal charges and a guilty plea at the start of his trial, as Just the News reports.

Shapley and Ziegler claim that Lowell's statements, made in letters to congressional committees, falsely accused them of criminal behavior.

The IRS agents first came into the public eye when they raised concerns to the House Ways and Means Committee regarding the Justice Department's handling of a tax investigation into Hunter Biden. Shapley and Ziegler alleged that the department granted Biden leniency, which prompted intense scrutiny. These claims formed the backdrop for the current legal battle.

Whistleblowers Allege False Accusations

In the lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Shapley and Ziegler accuse Lowell of defamation, specifically libel, arguing that his accusations damaged their professional careers. They allege that Lowell’s actions were malicious, with the intent to discredit them by falsely accusing them of violating grand jury secrecy and taxpayer confidentiality statutes.

The lawsuit further asserts that Lowell’s high profile in the legal community amplified the impact of his accusations. “Lowell’s stature and credibility in the legal community have amplified the harm caused by his defamatory statements,” the whistleblowers' complaint reads.

Accusations of Felonious Conduct, Malicious Intent

The whistleblowers claim that Lowell accused them of committing felonies in letters sent to congressional committees, including violating grand jury rules. According to Shapley and Ziegler, these accusations were made with malicious intent and were designed to deflect attention from their initial concerns about the Justice Department’s handling of Hunter Biden’s tax case.

The lawsuit, filed with the assistance of prominent defamation lawyer Mitchell Landsberg, argues that Lowell's statements have caused significant harm to their careers and reputations. Landsberg, known for representing high-profile clients like Steve Wynn, is expected to play a key role in the lawsuit.

Lawsuit Filed in D.C. Federal Court

Shapley and Ziegler's legal complaint details the damage to their professional reputations as a direct result of Lowell's statements. "Shapley and Ziegler, both experienced and dedicated special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation, bring this action to vindicate their reputations for the incredible and malicious harm they have suffered at the hands of Abbe Lowell," the lawsuit states.

The legal battle takes place in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where Lowell resides. The plaintiffs, being from different states, have filed the lawsuit there due to jurisdictional requirements. The amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, according to court filings.

Career Damage and Defamation Claims

The IRS agents assert that Lowell's accusations have had a profound impact on their careers. The lawsuit claims that the widespread publicity surrounding Lowell's statements has magnified the reputational harm, as many within the legal and political communities are familiar with the case.

Lowell’s alleged claims that the whistleblowers had committed felonies have further exacerbated their professional difficulties, according to the complaint. “It is particularly ironic and damaging that a well-known attorney like Lowell […] has chosen to falsely accuse these special agents of criminal behavior,” the lawsuit reads.

Seeking Legal Redress for Defamation

Shapley and Ziegler are seeking legal redress to restore their reputations. The agents argue that the defamation suit is necessary to counteract the damage caused by Lowell’s allegations. They also believe that the case will bring attention to the impact of defamatory statements on government whistleblowers.

The IRS agents maintain that they acted in good faith when they raised concerns about the Justice Department’s investigation of Hunter Biden. They argue that Lowell’s defamatory statements were a direct attempt to discredit their efforts.

As the case unfolds in federal court, the whistleblowers are expected to present detailed evidence of the harm caused to their careers and reputations. The outcome of this case may also influence how future whistleblower claims are handled in high-profile legal matters.