Mandy Matney hit with $176,500 contempt penalty as Judge rejects safety claims in explosive Murdaugh case dispute
Judge orders Mandy Matney to pay $176,500 in contempt case. Image Credit: Getty Images
Murdaugh crime reporter and podcaster Mandy Matney has been ordered to pay $176,500 in legal fees and fines after a South Carolina judge ruled that she deliberately refused to comply with a court-ordered deposition tied to ongoing litigation involving the Murdaugh family.
The ruling marks another dramatic chapter in the legal fallout surrounding the infamous Murdaugh saga, a case that has captivated national audiences through documentaries, podcasts and courtroom proceedings.
Circuit Judge R. Keith Kelly issued the 22-page order on Monday, concluding that Matney’s actions constituted civil contempt of court and that her claims of safety concerns were unsupported by credible evidence.
Why Was Mandy Matney Ordered to Pay $176,500?
The contempt ruling stems from litigation connected to the 2019 Beaufort County boat crash, which resulted in the death of Mallory Beach.
Attorneys representing parties in the case subpoenaed Matney as a non-party witness, believing she may possess information relevant to ongoing disputes, including allegations concerning leaked crime scene photographs and matters linked to the broader Murdaugh investigations.
According to court records, Matney was ordered to appear for a deposition in Bluffton within 14 days. Judge Kelly found that despite understanding the order, she chose not to attend the designated location.
Instead, she reportedly remained at another law office and attempted to participate remotely via Zoom.
The judge wrote that there was “clear and convincing evidence” that her refusal was a deliberate act rather than confusion or inability to comply.
Judge Rejects Safety Concerns Raised by Podcaster
Throughout multiple hearings, Matney argued that she feared for her personal safety and believed the deposition process was being used to harass her.
She testified that the attention surrounding the Murdaugh case had led to security concerns, recurring nightmares and the need for private protection during public appearances.
However, Judge Kelly dismissed those concerns, stating there was “no persuasive evidence” that attorneys involved in the case intended to intimidate or endanger her.
The order also referenced social media posts made after the missed deposition, including photos showing Matney having lemon pound cake with attorney Mark Tinsley and later dining in Savannah.
According to the judge, those posts undermined her argument that she was too fearful to appear at the scheduled location.
Breakdown of the Financial Penalties
Attorneys initially requested more than $310,000 in fees and costs.
Judge Kelly reduced the request significantly but still imposed one of the largest contempt-related financial sanctions seen in South Carolina legal circles.
The court ordered Matney to pay:
- $39,900 to Bannister, Wyatt and Stalvey LLC
- $45,950 to Deborah B. Barbier LLC
- $85,650 to Maynard Nexsen PC
- $5,000 civil contempt fine
The combined amount totals $176,500.
Legal observers have described the penalty as unusually large for a contempt proceeding involving a non-party witness.
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Mandy Matney Vows to Appeal
Following the ruling, Matney publicly criticised the decision and accused South Carolina’s judicial system of corruption.
In a social media post, she said she was less upset about the contempt finding itself and more concerned by what she called an unprecedented financial punishment.
Her legal team has since confirmed plans to appeal.
Attorney Becky Lindahl stated that Matney respectfully disagrees with the court’s conclusions and intends to challenge the ruling through the appellate process.
Connection to the Alex Murdaugh Saga
Matney rose to national prominence through her extensive reporting and podcast coverage of disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh, whose financial crimes and murder convictions generated international attention.
Her reporting played a significant role in bringing public scrutiny to the Murdaugh family and the network of investigations surrounding them.
The underlying litigation involving Mallory Beach’s death has been instrumental in exposing Alex Murdaugh’s finances and business dealings.
Although Matney is not a defendant in the lawsuit, the court determined that her testimony could be relevant to unresolved matters connected to the case.
What Happens Next?
The legal battle is far from over.
Matney’s appeal could potentially challenge both the contempt finding and the size of the financial sanctions.
Meanwhile, the broader Murdaugh-related litigation continues to generate new legal disputes, keeping public attention firmly fixed on one of America’s most closely watched true crime stories.
With questions still surrounding evidence, leaked materials and future court proceedings, the contempt order adds another contentious chapter to the sprawling Murdaugh saga.
FAQ
Who is Mandy Matney?
Mandy Matney is an investigative journalist and podcaster best known for reporting on the Alex Murdaugh case through her podcast and media company, LunaShark.
Why was Mandy Matney held in contempt of court?
Judge R. Keith Kelly ruled that Matney deliberately failed to comply with a subpoena and court order requiring her to attend a deposition connected to ongoing litigation stemming from the Mallory Beach boat crash case.
How much was Mandy Matney ordered to pay?
The court ordered Matney to pay a total of $176,500, consisting of $171,500 in attorneys’ fees and costs plus a $5,000 fine.
What lawsuit is connected to the contempt ruling?
The contempt proceedings are linked to litigation arising from the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach, a case that has remained intertwined with the broader Murdaugh investigations.
Did the judge accept Mandy Matney’s safety concerns?
No. Judge Kelly found that there was insufficient evidence supporting her claims that attending the deposition would have placed her in danger.
Is Mandy Matney appealing the decision?
Yes. Her legal team has confirmed plans to appeal the ruling and challenge the penalties imposed by the court.
Was Mandy Matney a defendant in the lawsuit?
No. She was subpoenaed as a non-party witness, meaning she is not directly accused in the underlying litigation.
Why did attorneys want Mandy Matney’s testimony?
Lawyers involved in the case believed she may possess information relevant to ongoing disputes related to evidence and leaked photographs connected to the Mallory Beach case.
What did Mandy Matney say after the ruling?
Matney criticized the decision publicly, arguing that the penalties were excessive and describing the South Carolina justice system as corrupt.
Could the ruling affect future true crime journalism?
Legal experts say the case may spark wider discussions about the responsibilities of journalists and podcasters when responding to subpoenas and court orders in high-profile investigations.