Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura wants a defamation lawsuit against slain Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle to now be defended by his widow Taya Kyle.
Ventura, who is also a former Navy SEAL as well as a former professional wrestler, claims a story published in Kyle's bestselling autobiography, "American Sniper," never happened.
In the book, Kyle wrote that in 2006 Ventura made unpatriotic remarks and that Kyle punched him. Ventura said the fight never happened.
Ventura said he now wants Kyle's widow to be the defendant since Kyle's estate continues to profit from the sale of the book.
Ventura's attorneys argued in court Monday that he has a right to restore his reputation. Kyle's attorneys say if the case proceeds, it will paint Ventura as someone who has no feelings for widows of war heroes.
The lawsuit was brought forward before Kyle was shot and killed, alongside friend Chad Littlefield, at a North Texas gun range in February. Eddie Ray Routh has been charged in their deaths.
