Rob O’Neill Lawsuit Against Military Podcasters Tyler Hoover and Brent Tucker, Navy SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden Sues Podcasters for $25 Million Over Defamation Claims

Former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill—the man credited with firing the shots that killed Osama bin Laden—filed a $25 million defamation lawsuit on November 10, 2025, against military podcasters Tyler Hoover and Brent Tucker. O’Neill claims the hosts of The Antihero Podcast ran a years-long smear campaign falsely accusing him of lying about his role in Operation Neptune Spear. The case, filed in Westchester County Supreme Court in New York, remains pending as of January 2026.

What’s the Rob O’Neill Lawsuit About?

Here’s what went down. Rob O’Neill has publicly said since 2013 that he fired the fatal shots that killed Osama bin Laden during the May 2, 2011 raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan. He wrote a book about it. Built a speaking career around it. Charged up to $75,000 per appearance to tell the story.

Then Tyler Hoover and Brent Tucker—both military veterans running The Antihero Podcast—started saying O’Neill’s account was a lie.

In an August 9, 2023 podcast episode, Tucker said: “No, he didn’t kill bin Laden! It is the worst-kept secret in all of special ops… I’d be as big a liar as Rob O’Neill.”

According to the lawsuit, Hoover and Tucker spent two years publicly questioning O’Neill’s story across podcast episodes and social media clips. O’Neill claims this cost him speaking engagements, damaged his reputation, and caused emotional harm to him and his family.

Who Are the Parties Involved?

Rob O’Neill is a former SEAL Team Six operator who served 16 years in the Navy. He participated in over 400 combat missions, including the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates and Operation Red Wings. After retiring in 2012, he became a paid speaker, podcast host, and author. His brand is built entirely on his military service—especially the bin Laden raid.

Tyler Hoover is an Army Airborne Infantry Iraq War veteran and former sheriff’s deputy. He co-owns Counter Culture Inc. and runs The Antihero Podcast, which focuses on mental health awareness for veterans and first responders.

Brent Tucker is a former Army NCO and ex-Delta Force operator who co-hosts The Antihero Podcast. He owns First Responder’s Coffee Company, which donates proceeds to first responder mental health programs.

What Are the Legal Claims?

The lawsuit alleges defamation—making false statements that damage someone’s reputation. Specifically, O’Neill claims Hoover and Tucker repeatedly stated he lied about killing bin Laden, knowing those statements were false or showing reckless disregard for the truth.

O’Neill’s attorney filed exhibits showing podcast transcripts, social media posts, and video clips where the hosts questioned his account. The lawsuit argues these weren’t good-faith debates—they were a coordinated campaign to monetize controversy for YouTube views and podcast downloads.

The $25 million figure isn’t random. O’Neill’s legal team calculated lost speaking fees, damage to his personal brand, and emotional distress. O’Neill has stated publicly that any money won from the lawsuit will go toward helping veterans with PTSD.

The Controversy Over Who Killed Bin Laden

This lawsuit revives a 14-year-old controversy within SEAL Team Six. Multiple accounts exist about who actually fired the fatal shots:

O’Neill’s version: He was second up the stairs during the raid. When he reached the third floor, he turned a corner and found bin Laden standing near his wife. O’Neill says he fired three shots to the head.

Matt Bissonnette’s version: Fellow SEAL Team Six member Bissonnette wrote in his book “No Easy Day” that the “point man” (identified as “Red”) fired first, hitting bin Laden and dropping him. Bissonnette then shot the body multiple times on the floor.

The Intercept investigation: A 2017 report claimed bin Laden was already “bleeding out on the floor, possibly already dead” from chest and leg wounds when O’Neill arrived.

The federal government has never officially confirmed O’Neill’s account. But in October 2020, retired Admiral William H. McRaven—who oversaw the raid—referred to O’Neill as “the SEAL that, in fact, shot bin Laden” during a CNN interview.

What Happens Next?

As of January 2026, Hoover and Tucker haven’t publicly responded with formal court filings. The case is still in its early stages.

Similar defamation lawsuits like h3h3 like the H3H3 case show how complicated these fights get. For O’Neill to win, he’ll need to prove the podcasters knew their statements were false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

Tucker and Hoover will likely argue they were exercising free speech and discussing publicly available information. They may claim they have sources within the SEAL community who contradict O’Neill’s version.

The lawsuit could force the release of classified SEAL debriefs from Operation Neptune Spear. Bissonnette claimed these debriefs were recorded. If they exist, they could settle the question once and for all—but that’s a big “if.”

What You Need to Know

This case is different from typical defamation battles like mizkif emiru. O’Neill built his entire post-military career on being “the man who killed bin Laden.” If the court finds Hoover and Tucker’s statements were false and damaging, the podcasters could face massive financial liability.

But O’Neill also faces risks. Filing this lawsuit opens him up to discovery—meaning Tucker and Hoover’s attorneys can demand documents, communications, and testimony from O’Neill and potentially other SEAL Team Six members.

There’s also the public figure problem. As a bestselling author, paid speaker, and media personality, O’Neill is considered a public figure under defamation law. That means he faces a higher burden of proof than private citizens would.

Common Questions About the Rob O’Neill Lawsuit

Has the lawsuit been filed?

Yes. O’Neill filed on November 10, 2025, in Westchester County Supreme Court, New York. The case is active and pending as of January 2026.

Why $25 million?

O’Neill’s legal team calculated lost speaking fees (up to $75,000 per engagement), damage to his personal brand, and emotional harm. O’Neill has pledged to donate any winnings to PTSD treatment for veterans.

What if O’Neill loses?

If the court finds Hoover and Tucker’s statements were protected speech or true, O’Neill could be responsible for their legal fees. It would also validate doubts about his account.

Can the government confirm who killed bin Laden?

The federal government hasn’t officially confirmed any SEAL’s specific role in the raid. The mission details remain classified.

Will this case settle?

Most defamation cases settle before trial. But given the personal nature of this dispute and O’Neill’s public pledge to donate winnings, a settlement seems less likely.

Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

The Rob O’Neill lawsuit represents more than a defamation claim—it’s a fight over legacy, truth, and accountability in the era of veteran influencer media. Stay informed as this case develops.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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