Woman sues author Amy Griffin over memoir 'The Tell'

Plaintiff claims Griffin's book stole stories of her sexual abuse

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A woman has sued author Amy Griffin over her bestselling 2025 memoir 'The Tell,' alleging that Griffin's descriptions of childhood sexual abuse in the book were stolen from her own experiences. The plaintiff, who is identified only as Jane Doe, says the stories in the book match her own assaults by a teacher at her school in the 1980s. Griffin's attorney has called the lawsuit 'absurd' and 'meritless.'

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the reliability of memoirs and the potential for authors to improperly use others' personal experiences without consent. It also highlights the sensitive and complex nature of addressing childhood sexual abuse, especially when high-profile figures are involved.

The details

In 'The Tell,' Griffin writes that undergoing therapy using MDMA uncovered memories of being sexually abused by a teacher at her middle school in Amarillo, Texas in the 1980s. The plaintiff says the descriptions in the book match her own experiences of being assaulted by a different teacher at a school dance and in a bathroom. The lawsuit alleges Griffin had reason to know about the plaintiff's abuse and that 'The Tell' constitutes an invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress. It seeks unspecified damages.

  • In 2019, the plaintiff met with Griffin at a California coffee shop, an encounter recounted in 'The Tell'.
  • In September 2026, the New York Times published a story raising questions about the reliability of the memories described in 'The Tell'.
  • On March 6, 2026, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Griffin, her publishers, and a ghostwriter.

The players

Jane Doe

The plaintiff who is suing author Amy Griffin, alleging that Griffin's memoir 'The Tell' stole stories of her own childhood sexual abuse.

Amy Griffin

An author and venture capitalist whose 2025 memoir 'The Tell' is at the center of the lawsuit.

Thomas A. Clare

The attorney representing Amy Griffin, who has called the lawsuit 'absurd' and 'meritless.'

Danielle Rhoades Ha

A spokeswoman for the New York Times, which stands by its reporting on 'The Tell.'

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What they’re saying

“We look forward to exposing these meritless claims in court, as well as the deeply flawed New York Times reporting that is at the center of it.”

— Thomas A. Clare, Attorney for Amy Griffin (ksgf.com)

“We're confident in the accuracy of our reporting.”

— Danielle Rhoades Ha, Spokeswoman for the New York Times (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed to trial, where the merits of the plaintiff's claims will be further examined.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex ethical issues surrounding memoirs and the use of personal experiences, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like childhood sexual abuse. It underscores the need for authors to handle such material with care and respect for those involved.