The new year has brought legal challenges for Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Hostin, a respected orthopedic surgeon and husband of The View co-host Sunny Hostin. Dr. Hostin is among nearly 200 individuals named in a civil lawsuit filed in New York that centers on allegations related to insurance billing practices.
Details of the Civil Lawsuit
Filed on December 17, 2023, the lawsuit was initiated by American Transit Insurance Company, which provides coverage for many of the city’s taxi and ride-share drivers. The company alleges that several healthcare providers, including Dr. Hostin, submitted improper billing claims for medical procedures, such as arthroscopic surgeries.
The complaint further claims that some of these procedures may have been unnecessary and that doctors were incentivized to refer patients to specific facilities. American Transit argues that this practice may have contributed to rising insurance costs for commercial drivers and undermined the spirit of New York’s No-Fault Law, which aims to provide swift medical coverage for those injured in vehicle accidents.
Dr. Hostin’s attorney, Daniel Thwaites, has strongly denied any wrongdoing. In a public statement, he described the claims as “blanket, meritless accusations” and criticized the lawsuit as a pressure tactic by a struggling insurer. He emphasized Dr. Hostin’s professional integrity and noted that the lawsuit does not reflect any findings of misconduct.
Public Response and Family Impact
Dr. Hostin has been married to Sunny Hostin, a former federal prosecutor and current ABC News senior legal analyst, since 1998. The couple shares two children and resides in Westchester County, New York. Sunny Hostin, 56, has often spoken candidly on The View about her family life, career, and personal experiences, including challenges with infertility and the loss of her in-laws to COVID-19 in 2021.
While the legal process is ongoing, the situation has drawn public attention due to the Hostins’ visibility. Legal experts have noted that large-scale civil cases like this can take years to resolve and often involve complex medical and insurance documentation.
Broader Context
American Transit is seeking financial restitution as part of a broader effort to address what it describes as systemic issues within New York’s No-Fault insurance system. The company alleges that improper billing practices have increased costs for commercial drivers across the state. Legal opinions on the case vary—some view it as a necessary crackdown, while others suggest it may be an effort to shift financial burdens onto smaller medical providers.
At this time, no criminal charges have been filed, and the lawsuit remains a civil matter. The case is expected to move forward in the coming months, with updates likely as court proceedings develop.
