Almost 20 years ago, back in the days when I worked as a tech for a certain major and now defunct nationwide computer retailer, a local reporter who was part of the “Investigators” team at our local NBC affiliate decided that he would use his position as an investigative reporter to force us to replace parts under warranty on his computer, even though the repairs were not under warranty.
Warranty wasn’t invalid because of time, but because his wife pretty much did a flying kick directly to the USB port and FREAKING SNAPPED OFF A THUMB DRIVE IN THE PORT. This is considered abuse and physical damage.
Unfortunately, the sniveling managers in the store decided to cave in and pay for the repairs.
This is part of why I’m not super keen on investigative reporters. They may get things done, but they are also super entitled douches.