Boies Schiller Flexner offices in Washington, D.C.

Lawyers at Boies Schiller Flexner filed a defamation lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of the brother of Seth Rich, a Democratic National Committee staffer whose 2016 murder is the basis for various right-wing conspiracy theories.

Boies Schiller partner Michael Gottlieb represents Aaron Rich, whose lawsuit in the federal district court in Washington, D.C., alleges conservative newspaper The Washington Times, Texas businessman Ed Butowsky and right-wing activist Matt Couch and his organization America First Media, have engaged in a “defamatory campaign” against him, painting him as a criminal.

“This lawsuit is about accountability,” Gottlieb said in a statement. ” The defendants are entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to spread vicious lies about an innocent man. Those who defame and harass decent American citizens in an effort to advance their personal financial and partisan gain will be held accountable in court.”

Right-wing activists and commentators began to circulate theories that Seth Rich was a whistle-blower who had, with the help of Aaron Rich, provided stolen DNC emails to WikiLeaks, and that he was murdered in retaliation.

Earlier this month, The Washington Times published an opinion piece which, the lawsuit said, contained “false factual statements” about Aaron Rich, including that he obstructed justice by refusing to be interviewed by law enforcement officials. Butowsky is the only source cited in the piece. The suit alleges Butowsky and Couch conspired to spread false claims about Aaron Rich.

In addition to defamation, the lawsuit alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy. Rich is seeking the removal of any false and defamatory materials from The Washington Times or AFM, damages for “mental anguish and emotional distress,” and other damages.

Seth Rich's murder and the subsequent conspiracy theories have led to multiple lawsuits. Rich's parents sued Butowsky, a political operative who's appeared on Fox News, in New York earlier this month. Joel and Mary Rich are represented by lawyers from Massey & Gail and Susman Godfrey.

Rod Wheeler, a Fox News commentator and private investigator represented by Doug Wigdor of the eponymous law firm, also sued Butowsky and others last year over a now-retracted Fox News article in which he was quoted.

“I don't know how many more Riches want to sue me,” Butowsky said when reached by phone Tuesday. “I don't even understand what's going on here. It sure looks like the Riches feel like they don't want people talking about them. I don't have an interest in talking about them.”

Butowsky said that for now, he plans to represent himself pro se because he is “sick of legal bills.” A representative form The Washington Times did not immediately return a request for comment.

“We are literally being sued for reporting the truth,” Couch said on a Periscope video today. “We are literally being sued for investigating a murder.”