Far-right Republican accused of stiffing student debate champion of $8,000
Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback calls failure to pay Briana Whatley money owed ‘an oversight’
TL;DR
- Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback is being sued by Briana Whatley for $8,000 in unpaid scholarship money.
- Whatley won scholarships from Fishback's organization, Incubate Debate, but claims the full amount was not paid as promised.
- The lawsuit alleges Fishback evaded communication, blamed a former employee, and falsely claimed an installment policy.
- Fishback admitted to "dropping the ball" in a text message and later paid a partial amount.
- Whatley is suing for the outstanding $8,000 plus interest and costs.
- Fishback stated in an email that the failure to pay was an oversight and is being fixed.
- This lawsuit follows a legal challenge where Fishback was kept on the primary ballot despite questions about his residency.
- Fishback and Whatley previously appeared aligned in criticizing the National Speech and Debate Association over censorship concerns.