Influencers Shanzi and Nino win defamation case against blogger
Supreme Court to decide on damages, costs
Published:Friday | November 3, 2023 | 12:09 AM
Socialites and business people Shanice ‘Shanzi’ Adair and Jermaule ‘Nino’ Adair have been granted a default judgment against blogger Charmanique Hinds by the Supreme Court of Jamaica.
Attorney-at-law Britney-Lee Johnson, of the law firm Makhijani & Johnson, which represents the Adairs, confirmed that judgment in favour of her clients was entered on October 4. The court will make an assessment of the damages, costs and interest that Hinds will have to pay to the couple.
A defamation suit was filed against Hinds, the operator of @Newscentree on Instagram, following the posting of unproven allegations on her page.
In a release, Makhijani & Johnson stated, “The statements made by blogger Charmanique Hinds against our clients went far beyond insult and vituperation. The statements made against our clients were false, alarmingly malicious and an outright smear campaign, ultimately defaming our clients.”
The statement added, “The defendant published these damningly false statements in multiples, on her Instagram page, on her Instagram stories, on Instagram LIVE and a rippling effect was observed whereby members of the public visibly began to rely on the said defamatory statements to share newly formed views about our clients’ integrity.”
Johnson has previously stated that the couple made attempts to have the matter resolved through a removal of the post and a public apology. However, when this was not forthcoming in the given time, they eventually filed suit against Hinds in the Supreme Court.
“Our clients are established business people, experienced event promoters and well-respected social media marketers. Their reputation, particularly in the digital space, is of paramount importance, as their goodwill flows directly from their social media presence. They have maintained and will continue to maintain a reputation as honest and hard-working entrepreneurs,” the release said.
The Adairs were not available for comment at this time.