Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, following a controversial and highly publicized remark made during a live national broadcast earlier this week.

During a heated panel segment aired Monday evening, Bondi allegedly stated:

“She uses sex in exchange for popularity and power.”

The remark — widely viewed as targeting Crockett — caused immediate backlash both online and within political circles, with many calling it “slanderous,” “misogynistic,” and “character assassination in real time.”

The Lawsuit

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the lawsuit accuses Bondi of:

• Defamation of character

• Emotional distress

• Intentional infliction of reputational harm

Crockett’s legal team released a statement late Tuesday, stating:

“These baseless, vile, and degrading comments are not only untrue, they were made with the intent to humiliate, discredit, and harm Congresswoman Crockett’s standing as an elected official and respected public servant.”

The suit seeks $10 million in damages, citing both the personal toll on Rep. Crockett and the professional fallout that has already begun to unfold.

Pam Bondi Responds

Bondi, a Republican and former member of former President Trump’s legal team, responded Wednesday morning via X (formerly Twitter):

“This is a politically motivated stunt. I said what I said. It’s called free speech.”

She added, “I will not be intimidated by loudmouths in Congress who can’t take criticism.”

Public Reaction

The public response has been swift and divided:

• Progressive leaders rallied around Crockett, calling Bondi’s comment a “disgusting attack rooted in sexism.”

• Conservative pundits, meanwhile, defended Bondi’s right to free speech, framing the lawsuit as an overreach designed to “silence dissent.”

Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump tweeted:

“Sexual defamation is not free speech. It’s slander. Rep. Crockett is right to push back hard.”

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal analysts say Crockett may have a strong case.

“Accusing a public figure — especially a sitting member of Congress — of trading sex for political influence without evidence is defamatory per se,” said constitutional attorney Sheila Morrison. “This isn’t a case of opinion. It’s a direct attack on someone’s moral character on national television.”

Others note the lawsuit could ignite a broader debate over how far ‘opinion-based’ commentary can go before it crosses into unlawful defamation.

What’s Next?

The case could take months, if not years, to resolve. In the meantime, Crockett has made it clear she’s not backing down.

“I’ve spent my entire career fighting for justice,” she told reporters outside the Capitol. “I will not allow anyone — no matter how powerful — to drag my name through the mud with lies designed to demean and silence women in leadership.”

Pam Bondi has not yet confirmed whether she will countersue or pursue dismissal of the case.