The plaintiff brought a motion for summary judgment in a defamation action against the defendants, a newspaper publisher and its writers.
The defendants published numerous articles and online posts referring to the plaintiff as a bully, fraudster, and habitual liar.
The court found the statements were defamatory and that the defendants could not rely on the defences of justification, qualified privilege, responsible communication, or fair comment.
The court also found the defendants were motivated by express malice.
Summary judgment was granted, awarding the plaintiff $300,000 in general and aggravated damages, $110,000 in punitive damages, and a permanent injunction.
