A Superior Court in Essex County, New Jersey, has issued a recent decision reducing a defamation judgment against former Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong, from $18 million to $500.
This decision follows an appeal by the former MP against the $18 million in damages awarded against him.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas had filed a lawsuit against Kennedy Agyapong and Ghanaian media personality Frederick Asamoah on May 17, 2022, alleging defamatory statements made during an episode of The Daddy Fred Show.
Mr Agyapong allegedly made false and damaging claims against Anas, including labeling him a criminal and thief, and alleging involvement in the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale.
Suale, a key member of Anas’ investigative team, was assassinated in 2019 after the release of a documentary exposing corruption in Ghanaian football.
A U.S. jury recently found Kennedy Agyapong liable for maliciously defaming Anas and awarded $18 million in damages. Dissatisfied with the outcome, Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur, arguing the jury’s award was excessive.
The trial judge granted Agyapong’s request, revising the damages down to $500, citing the financial penalty awarded by the jury as unreasonably high.
Anas has expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the case was about truth and justice rather than financial gain.
“Consequent to the finding by the jury, an amount of $18M was awarded in my favour against Kennedy Agyapong. Following the award, Kennedy Agyapong filed a motion for remittitur, asking the judge to reduce the amount awarded against him. Thus, inherent in his motion, Kennedy Agyapong admitted to having maliciously defamed me,” Anas said.
He added, “Today, the trial judge granted Kennedy Agyapong’s motion for remittitur and reduced the initial award to $500. This means that, while the judge held that Kennedy Agyapong had defamed me, in his reasoning, the award against Kennedy Agyapong by the jury was excessive.”
He continued: “This fight has not been about the money, but rather, a fight for truth and justice. I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate.”
“I will continue in my relentless fight against corruption – and in doing that, continue to name, shame, and jail.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
