WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr., best known to wrestling fans as "The Million Dollar Man," has found himself embroiled in a high-profile legal fight far removed from the squared circle. In August 2025, DiBiase filed a defamation lawsuit against Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, targeting White's 2024 book, Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America. The book, which chronicles the largest welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi's history, has cast a long shadow over DiBiase and his family, and now, the legal battle is playing out in Hinds County Circuit Court.
According to Darkhorse Press, DiBiase's complaint alleges that White used his official platform to promote what DiBiase calls "false and defamatory statements" for "personal and political gain." The lawsuit, filed in White's individual capacity, claims that the book portrays DiBiase as culpable in the alleged misuse of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds—a charge DiBiase vehemently denies. "No court has ever found me liable for any wrongdoing related to these allegations," DiBiase maintains, emphasizing his innocence and the absence of any legal ruling against him.
The fallout from the scandal, and the book's publication, has been significant for DiBiase. His nonprofit, Heart of David Ministries, shuttered its doors in January 2025, just over two years after the Mississippi Department of Human Services (DHS) filed a civil suit alleging the organization received more than $1.7 million in improper TANF transfers. DiBiase's legal team argues that White's statements and the continued sale of the book have irreparably damaged DiBiase's reputation and could bias future jurors in ongoing civil litigation. As a result, the lawsuit seeks not only compensatory and punitive damages but also a temporary restraining order and injunction to halt further publication and distribution of White's book.
White, for his part, is not retreating from the fight. He was served the lawsuit on November 19, 2025, and responded with a motion to dismiss on December 19. In his filing, White claims protection under "absolute privilege"—a legal doctrine shielding officials from defamation claims for statements made in the course of their duties. White's defense further contends that DiBiase's request to stop the book's distribution would amount to unconstitutional "prior restraint" on First Amendment rights. "As a public figure, Mr. DiBiase must prove actual malice," White's legal team argues, noting the high bar set for defamation claims involving prominent individuals.
The scandal itself has rocked Mississippi and drawn national attention, not least because of its connection to other high-profile figures. Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and both of DiBiase's sons—Ted DiBiase Jr. and Brett DiBiase—have been implicated in the alleged misuse of millions of dollars intended for the state's poorest families. Ted DiBiase Jr., a former WWE superstar, is scheduled to appear in federal court on January 13, 2026, facing charges of wire fraud and theft in connection with TANF-funded contracts. Brett DiBiase, the youngest son, pleaded guilty in 2023 to conspiracy to defraud the United States and was sentenced in state court for his role in the fraud scheme.
According to CrunchSports, the case has thrust the entire DiBiase family back into the spotlight. The book at the heart of the lawsuit, Mississippi Swindle, details how millions in welfare funds were allegedly diverted away from needy families and toward high-profile individuals and projects—allegations that have led to a wave of both criminal and civil litigation. DiBiase's legal counsel has been vocal about the impact of the accusations, stating that the ongoing media coverage and book sales could "cause irreparable harm" and "potentially taint the jury pool."
In his lawsuit, DiBiase accuses White not only of defamation but also of negligence, gross negligence, recklessness, and defamation per se—a legal standard where the alleged falsehood is considered so damaging that tangible proof of harm is not required. DiBiase argues that White's actions have directly contributed to the closure of Heart of David Ministries and the loss of his reputation built over decades. The complaint also asserts that White's motivation was at least partly self-serving, leveraging his position as State Auditor to advance his own career while "devaluing DiBiase Sr.'s work through his nonprofit."
White's legal team, however, is pushing back hard. Their motion to dismiss argues that public officials are protected when acting within their official capacity, and that the book's content—dealing with matters of public concern—should be shielded by the First Amendment. They also point out that the bar for proving "actual malice" is extremely high, especially for someone of DiBiase's fame. "The statements in question are not only protected, but Mr. DiBiase, as a public figure, must meet a standard that courts have consistently upheld as rigorous," White's attorneys wrote in their filing.
The legal wrangling doesn't stop there. DiBiase's attorney has requested an extension to respond to White's motion to dismiss, moving the deadline to January 28, 2026. This means the case is likely to remain in the public eye for months to come, with both sides digging in for what could be a lengthy and closely watched court battle. The outcome could have far-reaching implications—not just for DiBiase and White, but for how public officials can write about ongoing legal matters involving celebrities and other public figures.
Meanwhile, the broader welfare scandal continues to unfold in Mississippi's courts and the court of public opinion. The DHS's civil suit against Heart of David Ministries, the criminal proceedings against Ted DiBiase Jr., and the fallout from Brett DiBiase's guilty plea all serve as reminders that the story is far from over. As the legal process grinds on, DiBiase Sr. maintains that his family has been unfairly targeted due to their fame, calling the allegations a "smear campaign." His former agent, William Bruce, has even spoken publicly about the situation, adding another layer of intrigue to a saga that has already captivated the nation.
With the next court dates looming and both sides refusing to back down, all eyes remain on Mississippi. The clash between a legendary wrestler and a state auditor over the right to tell—and defend—one's story is shaping up to be a legal battle every bit as dramatic as anything seen in the WWE ring.
