Kevin O'Leary receives demand letter amid China influence claims over Utah data center opposition
Investor Kevin O’Leary confirmed receiving a demand letter before he clarified his claims about Chinese influence on opponents of his Utah data center proposal. A U.S. Senator has asked the Department of Justice to investigate general Chinese influence on data center opposition in the U.S. O'Leary continues to believe China is spreading misinformation about data centers nationally.
Investor Kevin O’Leary confirmed to FOX 13 News on Tuesday that he received a demand letter, a common precursor to a lawsuit, before issuing a public correction regarding his claims that opponents of his Utah data center project were influenced by China. O'Leary, who declined to provide the letter or specify the sender, cited "ongoing litigation" but affirmed his public correction, which stated he had "no evidence" of Chinese funding for specific Utah organizations and individuals he had previously named.
The controversy escalated earlier this month when U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, requested the U.S. Department of Justice investigate whether China is influencing American opposition to data centers nationwide. O'Leary reiterated his belief that China is generating misinformation about data centers to gain a competitive advantage in the computing sector, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond Utah. The Alliance For A Better Utah, one of the organizations accused by O'Leary, and its members denied any Chinese ties.