Dentistry company sues NBCUniversal for $2.8 billion over critical report

A dentistry company is reportedly suing NBCUniversal for defamation, claiming a February news segment critical of the company’s services caused their stocks to plummet.

Nashville-based SmileDirectClub — a company that sends teeth straightening kits directly to consumers’ homes — alleges in the suit that “NBC abused their trust by publishing reports about SDC that were littered with false and misleading statements,” according to Deadline.

“NBC’s misconduct not only financially injured SDC, but it also prevented patients from seeking the affordable treatment they need for their orthodontic problems and caused investors to lose millions, if not billions, of dollars,” the suit, which was filed Monday in Tennessee claims.

SDC is seeking over $2.85 billion through the suit.

The suit stems from a Feb. 13 report that aired on NBC News.

The segment, among other things, cited SmileDirectClub consumer complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. It also quoted a professor of orthodontics who warned of possible side effects from trying to straighten teeth without in-person treatment and supervision.

NBC News in a statement to Deadline defended the report.

“We stand by our reporting and believe this is a meritless claim,” an NBC News spokesperson told the outlet.