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Pictured Above: Weston ‘Cro Cro’ Rawlins (left) and Inshan Ishmael (right).
High Court Judge Frank Seepersad ordered four-time Calypso Monarch, Weston ‘Cro Cro’ Rawlins, to pay $250,000 in compensation to businessman and social activist, Inshan Ishmael, for defamation.
The compensation was ordered this morning (Monday 29th January, 2024), as Justice Seepersad upheld Ishmael’s case over Rawlins’ song “Another Sat is Outside Again.” Justice Seepersad ruled that Rawlins’ lyrics could not be considered fair comment, were malicious and intended to damage Ishmael’s reputation. Ishmael went live on Facebook this morning to announce he won his defamation case against Rawlins.
Ishmael announced in a Facebook post on 13th February, 2023, “I DOH PLAY, I DOH BACK DOWN! THIS IS THE FIRST OF 3 GOING OUT THIS WEEK...PRE-ACTION PROTOCOL LETTER DELIVERED TO CRO CRO...”
According to Justice Seepersad’s ruling this morning, “This Court will not condone or accept any position which advances a narrative that social media comments or commentary by calypsonians are sacrosanct or that calypsonians should be free to say whatever they feel as they ‘speak their minds’ even if their content is divisive, derogatory, deceitful, dishonest or defamatory.” Rawlins allegedly penned the song following social media furore towards Ishmael based on his comments on the celebrations hosted by residents of Beetham Gardens, after fellow resident Kareem Marcelle was called to the Bar in November 2022. In his judgment, Justice Seepersad noted that Rawlins did not deny that the song was directed at Ishmael, though he attempted to conceal his [Ishamel’s] name. Justice Seepersad dismissed Ishmael’s claim in relation to the Copyright Organisation of T&T (COTT), as he noted that the body merely collects royalties for its members, including Rawlins. He also pointed out that the song was not registered. Ishmael was represented by Richard Jaggasar, Nigel Trancoso and Andre Cole, while Rawlins was represented by Gilbert Peterson SC, Keith Scotland, and Marcelle. More on this as it becomes available. [Source: CNC3] We are a small operation. If you've found our articles to be informative, please consider supporting us via PayPal or buying us a coffee. Your contribution is incredibly appreciated and goes a long way. Simply sharing our articles also helps us. Sign up for our free WhatsApp Alerts to be notified as soon as we post breaking news. NEW! Check out our Merchandise Store for high-quality t-shirts, hats and more!
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