KTLA Newscaster Wendy Burch Sues Over Alleged 8-Year Extortion Plot

KTLA newscaster Wendy Burch has filed a lawsuit accusing Christine Weber of an eight-year scheme to extort her and damage her reputation, stemming from an alleged $150,000 drug deal.

Burch, a long-time personality on KTLA’s morning news program, contends in court documents filed Monday that Weber initiated a smear campaign against her and Bruce Taylor, the father of her son, beginning in 2018. Court records indicate Weber had initially sued Burch and Taylor that year, alleging they defrauded her out of $150,000.

However, the lawsuit filed by Burch asserts that the money was connected to an illegal marijuana transaction that Weber arranged with Taylor. According to the suit, Weber met Taylor at a Santa Monica bar in 2015, and Weber later withdrew $150,000 in cash for the deal, citing issues with the IRS. The alleged drug transaction was purportedly planned in Las Vegas with the intention of transporting marijuana across state lines.

Text messages included as exhibits in the lawsuit appear to show communications between Weber and Taylor regarding the deal. One message from Weber to Taylor reads, "Good morning, Handsome. Mission accomplished-I will have the package for sure by Friday early afternoon the latest. Book our suite, Baby! Game on, and we are ready to play."

Further messages suggest the deal did not go as planned. Taylor is quoted as texting, "Last night was a nightmare of epic proportions will call later with lawyer now." Weber allegedly responded, "OK Babe thanks for getting in touch with me! I knew something had to have happened and I was very worried about you."

Burch states in the lawsuit that she was unaware of the Las Vegas trip and had no personal or professional relationship with Taylor beyond co-parenting their son. She claims that after the money went missing, Weber targeted her with a social media smear campaign and contacted KTLA management in an attempt to have her fired.

An email exhibit shows Weber allegedly writing to KTLA’s tip account, "You are giving Wendy Burch a platform to continue her crimes against women along with her accomplice Bruce Taylor." Weber also allegedly sent threatening messages to Burch via Facebook messenger, stating, "I WILL PUT YOU AND HIM ON EVERY CHANNEL NEWS TO EXPOSE YOU AND THAT CON MAN WHO STOLE MY MONEY AND I WILL HAVE YOU INVESTIGATED BECAUSE YOU HAVE ALL THE STOLEN MONEY !! YOU B*****."

The lawsuit claims that Weber's actions were intended to inflict harm on Burch in retaliation for her association with Taylor. Burch states she experienced "anxiety, depression, mental anguish, sleeplessness, anger, stress, and feelings of hopelessness" due to the prolonged legal battle.

According to the lawsuit, the case against Burch was dismissed in December 2025, following five appeals by Weber. The court reportedly ruled in favor of Taylor as well, finding that the evidence indicated Weber had knowingly entered into an illegal drug deal, which invalidated her claims.

Burch is now suing Weber, her attorney Howard Fisher, and the law firm Fisher and Fisher for malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and emotional distress. Weber and Fisher were contacted for comment.