‘The View’ Co-Host Turns Heads Over Husband’s Latest Allegations

The new year has taken a dramatic turn for Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin — renowned orthopedic surgeon and husband of The View co-host Sunny Hostin. Dr. Hostin is now at the center of one of New York’s largest-ever RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) lawsuits, named alongside nearly 200 other defendants. The federal case accuses him of participating in a wide-reaching insurance fraud scheme, including allegations that he accepted kickbacks for performing unnecessary surgeries — charges that could carry serious legal consequences.

The Fraud Allegations

In a lawsuit filed on December 17, 2023, Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin stands accused of fraudulent activities involving unnecessary surgeries, particularly arthroscopic procedures. The legal action alleges that Dr. Hostin performed these surgeries and billed American Transit, an insurance company covering drivers for services like taxis, Uber, and Lyft. The lawsuit claims that Dr. Hostin received improper payments, disguised as “dividends” or other compensation, in exchange for referring patients to specific medical facilities.

Dr. Hostin’s attorney, Daniel Thwaites, vehemently rejects the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a “blanket, meritless” attack fueled by an insurance company in financial trouble. Thwaites argues that American Transit failed to properly investigate the claims and is using the legal system to intimidate healthcare professionals. He also reaffirmed Dr. Hostin’s impeccable professional record, asserting that his reputation remains unblemished.

Sunny Hostin at New York Fashion Week, Photo Credit: sunny/Instagram

Sunny Hostin’s Family and Public Life

Sunny Hostin, 56, has been married to Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin for over two decades. The couple, who tied the knot in 1998, share two children and call an upscale estate in Purchase, New York, home. Known for her candidness, Sunny often opens up about her personal life on The View, sharing everything from the joys of family to deeply personal struggles. As a former prosecutor turned senior legal correspondent for ABC News, she has been refreshingly transparent with her audience, offering intimate glimpses into her journey, including her battle with infertility.

Their relationship has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. In 2021, Sunny shared the heartbreaking news that both of Dr. Hostin’s parents—respected doctors in their own right—tragically passed away from COVID-19 during the holiday season, a devastating loss for the couple.

Sunny Hostin and her husband Dr. Emmanuel Hostin at 90s themed party, Photo Credit: sunny/Instagram

The Legal Battle and Broader Impact

American Transit has accused Dr. Emmanuel Hostin of accepting illegal kickbacks for referring patients to a surgery center, in exchange for payments. The insurer claims that Dr. Hostin performed unnecessary surgeries on accident victims who only sustained minor injuries, violating New York’s “No-Fault Law.” This law, designed to cover medical expenses for accident victims, has become a focal point in the case, with the insurer arguing that fraudulent practices like these inflate insurance premiums and destabilize the market for taxi and ride-share drivers.

Seeking over $450 million in damages, American Transit asserts that fraud is a widespread issue within New York’s insurance industry. The company contends that the abuse of the No-Fault Law has led to millions in improper payments, ultimately driving up insurance costs and burdening hard-working taxi and livery drivers with higher premiums.

Sunny Hostin and Dr. Emmanuel Hostin at the US Open, Photo Credit: sunny/Instagram

The Legal Battle and Divided Opinions

As the case unfolds, legal experts remain split on its potential outcomes. William Natbony of American Transit argues that combating fraud is crucial to protecting consumers, emphasizing the need to hold healthcare providers accountable. On the other hand, defense attorney Steven Harfenist suggests that the lawsuit may be a strategic move by American Transit—a last-ditch effort to recover lost funds by targeting smaller medical practices, which could be pressured into settling out of court to avoid prolonged litigation.

For Sunny and Dr. Emmanuel Hostin, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the legal battle continues to develop, the couple faces a challenging and uncertain future, with their public lives and family reputation hanging in the balance.

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