Former Fox News producer Jennifer Eckhart was facing a $1 million defamation lawsuit at the time of her death, according to court documents cited in reports.
The lawsuit was filed in February by Florida couple Darby Annunziata and her husband, John, along with their business, Sugar Pie Lashes. The couple alleged that Eckhart had made statements that wrongly linked them and their business to sex trafficking.
According to the complaint, Eckhart allegedly entered a neighbouring boutique and warned customers against visiting the couple’s eyelash business. The couple claimed she made comments suggesting that Darby was not supportive of women, including single mothers, and referred to alleged links with sex trafficking.
The lawsuit also alleged that Eckhart made another comment describing the couple as being part of a “swinger pineapple community”. The couple argued that these statements harmed their reputation and business.
Eckhart denied accusing the couple of criminal activity. In her response, she maintained that her comments were criticism of Darby’s handling of a former employee rather than allegations of criminal conduct. She also argued that some of her statements were expressions of personal opinion or rhetorical exaggeration.
Eckhart sought dismissal of the lawsuit. A filing submitted in May indicated that the discovery process was still underway. The status and future course of the case following her death remained unclear.
Eckhart, 36, died at her home in Florida on Saturday. According to law enforcement information cited by reports, her death was classified as suicide. Her mother reportedly found her in a bathtub, with a pocketknife nearby.
Eckhart had previously gained public attention after accusing former Fox News anchor Ed Henry of rape. Henry denied the allegations, and the separate legal dispute was settled in 2024.
Her death and the circumstances surrounding the defamation lawsuit have since drawn renewed attention to her legal history and public career.
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