Tillett sues ex-daughter-in-law over audio clip
The state senator claims a 2016 recording of him using a racial slur was manipulated.
By Neha Kapoor ·
State Sen. Jerry Tillett filed a defamation lawsuit in February against his former daughter-in-law, Briana Daniels. The suit also names Daniels' husband, Teddy Daniels, the publisher of National File, and local social media user Richard Burrus. The legal action was filed in Dare County Superior Court. It followed the online release of an audio clip that Tillett disputes is authentic.
In an affidavit submitted last month, Daniels stated she recorded a conversation in April 2016. She said she was driving the Tilletts home from Basnight's Lone Cedar Cafe in Nags Head. The couple was described as extremely intoxicated. Daniels identified the speakers in the clip as Jerry Tillett, his wife Tanya, and her then-husband Jeremy. A fourth unidentified man was also present in the vehicle according to the filing.
The audio captures the group discussing an incident in a Norfolk, Virginia bathroom. Daniels explained that a Black man turned off the light as Jerry Tillett exited. Tillett believed the man did so intentionally. In the recording, one voice says he should have shot the man. Another voice repeats the sentiment using the N-word. Daniels said she began recording interactions with the Tilletts due to stressful and sometimes violent exchanges.
Burrus posted a 23-second segment of the audio on December 11, 2025. He claimed the clip proved Tillett used the slur. Daniels told reporters she did not give the recording to Burrus or National File. Teddy Daniels contradicted her affidavit, stating that he did provide the audio to both parties. Neither Daniels has given the recording to The Assembly.
Tillett denied using racist slurs. His attorney argued the recording was manipulated. The senator won re-election on Tuesday with 52 percent of the vote in the 1st District. He defeated Democrat Melissa Zehner. Tillett, a former Dare County superior court judge, was nominated by local Republicans in August to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Bobby Hanig.
The defamation case remains pending. Tillett and his allies previously filed stalking and cyberstalking charges against Burrus based on his online comments. Those criminal charges have been dropped. Tillett and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. Daniels and Teddy Daniels also declined to comment on Thursday.
