Dan Rather has filed a new lawsuit claiming fraud against CBS CEO Les Moonves and former CBS News President Andrew Heyward in order to have them reinstated as defendants in his $70M CBS suit according to Reuters. Charges against both Heyward and Moonves were rejected from that original lawsuit for lack of evidence.

While the original 2007 fraud lawsuit against CBS was also thrown out, an amended fraud complaint—showing Rather had lost significant income—was accepted last month, leading Rather to believe the original defendants should also again be accepted.

Rather's attorney, Martin Gold, said:

"These are the two individuals who committed the crime on behalf of CBS and we're holding them personally responsible."

In regards to the lawsuit in general, CBS has stated:

"If anything, this latest tactic confirms that the whole charade is more a tiresome plea for attention by Rather than a serious lawsuit."

> Update: CBS has released this statement to TVNewser regarding the comments made by Rather's attorney:

CBS considers Mr. Gold's statements to be wrong, inaccurate, unprofessional and defamatory. We are surprised an attorney would make such statements. Our lawyers will be in touch with Mr. Gold and will take all appropriate action.