NewsGuard's Reality Check
Dougan Russian Disinformation Depository
A Threatening Phone Call
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A Threatening Phone Call

In February 2023, Dougan left a threatening voicemail message on NewsGuard co-CEO Steven Brill's unlisted home phone.

Transcription: “Mr. Brill. Hi. I’m just curious how it feels to sell out your country and stifle the voices of millions of people. On behalf of who? Your CIA buddies? Well, I’ve got a gift for you. And you do the same. It’s you. … Yeah. I know everything about you guys. Everything. And it’s all going to start coming out. And you know what? I don’t have the resources you do, but I can expose you for who you are. I’m going to trash your reputation. But when you die — and it won’t be long, you’re getting close to that age — people are going to realize exactly what you are. The government shill from the interference of the United States government. Hiding the true motives for this war and everything else that they wish to do. And I’m going to make it known to my excellent team of people all around the world. So, have a great day. And I will see you soon. Bye-bye.”

Note: NewsGuard removed a portion of the recording that made a personal attack on Brill’s family.

NewsGuard's Reality Check
Dougan Russian Disinformation Depository
Explore how one key figure, John Mark Dougan, helps drive Russia’s election disinformation campaign in the U.S. and beyond.
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