Critics slam latest ProPublica ‘hit piece’ on Justice Clarence Thomas

Critics of ProPublica’s latest “hit piece” on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas have called the report deeply flawed, biased and an attempt to smear the justice. The piece revisited Thomas’ confirmation hearing in 1991, with an emphasis on the late Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual harassment from Thomas. ProPublica said it tried to provide a “fresh look” at the Hill-Thomas hearings through previously undisclosed documents, but critics have argued the report ignored exculpatory eyewitness testimony in favor of a biased narrative. Critics also expressed frustration that the report came out on the eve of Thomas’ birthday, describing it as “unacceptable” and “tasteless.” In a statement, Thomas and his wife Virginia urged readers to “beware” ProPublica’s reporting, saying it is “using the same tactics that were employed 30 years ago” to destroy Thomas’ reputation. Thomas also said the report “reinforces the view” that the media “will always attempt to redefine my legacy in its own image” despite his “36 years of public service.”