"Ventura was a WWE wrestler, a politician who didn't get re-elected, ..."
"Kyle didn't even get a chance to land on the other side of this before his life was snuffed out."
See, this is exactly why I waited so long to comment on this. I knew this is what it would turn into. I don't care if the plaintiff against Kyle had been Joe Sixpack or Colin Powell; makes no difference! The man was wronged and filed suit because of it.
There were many witnesses to what happened in the bar that night. Kyle had his posse, Ventura had his posse, & members of the public were present. I have not read the trial transcripts but I find it very interesting that not one witness was able to substantiate Kyle's version of the story that he told in so many interviews and in his book. There may have been a kernel of truth there somewhere but that tells me it was basically a lie. Kyle and his publisher wanted the bump it would bring to book sales and to possibly pitch a movie; why else even make it up? He was counting on not getting sued; most public figures would rather not have the publicity that comes with the lawsuit. Unfortunately for Kyle this time the plaintiff felt he couldn't just turn the other cheek. Kyle's claim was not confirmed in court; Ventura's case was affirmed.
Fact check: Ventura served one term as governor. He did not run for reelection and therefore did not lose. In fact he has never lost an election.