Minister Indar files $50M defamation lawsuit against ‘Melly Mel’ and Sherod Duncan

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit in the High Court against social media activist Melissa Ann Atwell, known as ‘Melly Mel’, and Opposition Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan. Indar alleges that they defamed him during a Facebook Live session.

In his statement of claim, Indar, through his lawyer Sase Gunraj, contends that on August 2, 2024, Duncan, during a Facebook Live session with Atwell as his guest, made defamatory remarks about Indar related to the award of contracts.

Indar argues that the statements linked him to corruption as a public official. He was also labeled as “dishonest,” having “dishonorable” motives as a public office holder, and being “unfit” to serve.

He claims that the broadcast has damaged his reputation, negatively impacted his social and personal relationships, and harmed his professional standing. Indar also asserts that he has suffered “considerable” distress and embarrassment and has been brought into contempt.

Indar states that the remarks made during the broadcast are “utterly” false and have no basis in reality. He believes that unless restrained, the defendants will continue to repeat these statements.

Consequently, Indar, through his attorney, is seeking an injunction to restrain Atwell and Duncan from “further publishing or causing to be published the said or similar words which convey either expressly or by implication the same meaning” on their Facebook pages.

He is also requesting an order directing both Atwell and Duncan to remove all social media posts containing false and defamatory statements against him. Additionally, Indar seeks a court order for them to retract their statements and apologize to him.