The new year has started on a troubling note for Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin, the husband of The View co-host Sunny Hostin. Dr. Hostin, a prominent orthopedic surgeon, is one of nearly 200 defendants named in one of New York’s largest-ever RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) lawsuits. He faces serious allegations related to federal insurance fraud, accused of taking kickbacks in exchange for unnecessary surgeries.

The Fraud Allegations

According to the lawsuit filed on December 17, 2023, Dr. Hostin is accused of engaging in fraudulent practices by performing surgeries—specifically arthroscopic procedures—and billing American Transit, a major insurance company that covers taxi, Uber, and Lyft drivers. The lawsuit claims that Dr. Hostin received improper payments disguised as “dividends” or other forms of compensation for referring patients to certain medical facilities.

Hostin’s attorney, Daniel Thwaites, strongly denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit a “blanket, meritless” attack from a struggling insurance company. Thwaites asserts that American Transit failed to investigate the claims thoroughly and is using the legal system to harass healthcare providers. He also defended Dr. Hostin’s record, stating that his client’s reputation remains untarnished.

Sunny Hostin’s Family and Public Life

Sunny Hostin, who is 56, has been married to Dr. Hostin for over two decades. The couple, who wed in 1998, have two children and reside in an upscale estate in Purchase, New York. Sunny, a former prosecutor and now senior legal correspondent for ABC News, frequently shares aspects of her personal life on The View. From candid discussions about her family to touching moments about her infertility struggles, she has been open with her audience about her journey.

The couple’s life together has not been without its challenges. In 2021, Sunny tragically revealed that both of Dr. Hostin’s parents, who were both doctors, died of COVID-19 during the holiday season.

The Legal Battle and Broader Impact

American Transit has accused Dr. Hostin of receiving illegal kickbacks for referring patients to a surgery center in exchange for payments. The insurance company claims that Dr. Hostin performed unnecessary surgeries on accident victims who suffered only minor injuries, violating the “No-Fault Law” in New York, which is designed to cover medical expenses for accident victims. The insurer argues that fraudulent claims like these drive up premiums and harm the public by destabilizing the insurance market for ride-share and taxi drivers.

American Transit is seeking over $450 million in damages in this case, alleging that fraud is a rampant issue in New York’s insurance industry. The insurer claims that the abuse of the No-Fault Law has led to millions in improper payments, inflating the costs of insurance and raising premiums for hard-working taxi and livery drivers.

While the case has yet to unfold fully, legal experts are divided on its merits. Some, like William Natbony of American Transit, argue that it’s essential to fight fraud to protect consumers, while others, such as defense attorney Steven Harfenist, suggest the lawsuit may be a last-ditch effort by American Transit to recover lost funds by targeting smaller medical practices that might settle out of court to avoid lengthy litigation.

As the legal drama plays out, both Sunny and Dr. Hostin face a challenging road ahead, as their public lives and family reputation are tied to the outcome of this high-stakes case.

Sources: Daily Mail