South Carolina podcaster Mandy Matney has been ordered to pay $176,500 (around £132,000) after a judge found her in contempt of court for refusing to attend a court-ordered deposition in a high-profile civil case linked to the 2019 Murdaugh boat crash.
Judge Keith Kelly ruled that Matney deliberately failed to comply with a subpoena, imposing $171,500 in legal fees and a separate $5,000 (roughly £3,700) fine. Although Matney has since sat for the deposition, the court's detailed order explains why the judge concluded the financial sanctions were warranted. Her legal team has confirmed that she intends to appeal the decision.