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WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. filed a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White last summer before Hinds County Circuit Court, according to Dark Horse Press Now in Mississippi.
The lawsuit alleges that White made false and damaging statements about DiBiase Sr. in White's book Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America. DiBiase alleges that the book, published in August 2024 while related civil litigation was still pending, wrongly portrays him as culpable in the alleged misuse of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.
DiBiase Sr. denies any wrongdoing and emphasizes that no court has ruled him liable in a separate lawsuit brought by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS). The DHS lawsuit, filed in December 2022, alleges more than $1.7 million in TANF funds were improperly transferred to Heart of David Ministries for unallowable purposes. DiBiase disputes those allegations, noting the case has not gone to trial.
The complaint names White in his individual capacity, along with unidentified John Does, and alleges White used his public office and platform to promote defamatory claims for personal and political gain. DiBiase claims the statements harmed his reputation and contributed to the closure of his nonprofit, Heart of David Ministries, in January 2025. DiBiase’s suit asserts claims including defamation, defamation per se, negligence, gross negligence, and recklessness. He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and court costs, as well as a temporary restraining order and injunction to halt further publication and distribution of the book. He also seeks a declaratory judgment barring publication of the disputed allegations while the DHS case remains unresolved.
White, who was served in November 2025, has moved to dismiss the lawsuit and requested summary judgment, arguing he is protected by absolute privilege, that DiBiase cannot establish falsity or actual malice, and that the requested injunction would constitute an unconstitutional prior restraint under the First Amendment. DiBiase’s attorney has requested additional time, through Jan. 28, to respond to White’s motion.
The criminal trial of Ted DiBiase Jr. began jury selection today in Mississippi.
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