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Josh Friedman: Reporter or Conspiracy Theory Extremist?
When San Luis Obispo started seeing an increase in protests following the death of George Floyd in May, readers asked me questions about one of CalCoastNews’ reporters Josh Friedman. People asked me because he’s appeared at several local protests, recording video and live streams on YouTube.
Recently, Friedman made headlines on his website when they said he was “battered” by supporters of 20-year-old Black protest organizer Tianna Arata. Despite CalCoastNews claiming he was a victim of battery, Friedman did not file a police report. In fact, after Friedman was called out by Arata supporter Cavin Stokes for his “fake news” and got into a heated physical altercation with protesters, Friedman stayed for more than two hours.
Three protesters attending the event recalled to me that Friedman charged into their huddle, reportedly pressing his phone against their faces.
According to his biography on the website MuckRack.com, Friedman describes himself as a “globetrotting journalist” who covers geopolitics and news in San Luis Obispo County…
