Bobrisky files a lawsuit against VeryDarkMan, seeking ₦1 billion in damages for defamation. Explore the details of the legal dispute between the social media personalities
Nigerian cross-dresser and social media influencer, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has filed a lawsuit against Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Berry Darkman, seeking N1 billion damages for defamation.
The lawsuit, posted on Bobrisky’s Instagram account on Sunday, accuses Berry Darkman of sharing AI-generated audio recordings that falsely suggest Bobrisky had inappropriate relationships with prominent figures, including politicians and police officers.
According to the lawsuit, Bobrisky’s lawyers accuse Berry Darkman of misusing their client’s name and public persona to gain attention and making unfounded claims about his interactions with influential people.
“Our client has advised that in your pursuit of social media fame, you continue to misuse your name, persona and social media influence to create hype in the media for your personal gain,” Suits said in a statement.
“Recently, in one of your trending videos on various social media platforms, you alleged that various Inspectors of the Nigerian Police, Members of Parliament, Senators and politicians in general are in the habit of having sexual relations with our clients. However, no evidence has been presented to support these allegations.’’
The suit further states that VeryDarkMan’s actions have harmed Bobrisky’s mental health, privacy and constitutional rights, alleging that he has ignored the harm caused.
“You have persistently made unfounded allegations against our client, including hearsay that cannot be proven, violating his mental health, general well-being, right to privacy, right to freedom of thought, right to life and other fundamental constitutional rights,” the statement continued.
The complaint also mentions an AI-generated audio clip in which Bobrisky’s voice is said to be heard. His legal team argues that this is a complete fabrication and asks for its immediate removal.
“Our client has been made aware that you have recently published an AI-generated audio call that purports to have occurred between an anonymous individual and our client. For the record, our client has never had a single audio conversation with this person and your defamatory and intimidating statements should be retracted via social media platforms within 24 hours of the filing of this demand letter.” He has publicly apologized in two national newspapers and posted an apology video on all social media platforms. Additionally, the suit also seeks compensation of 1 billion naira for reputational damage.
“As this concerns our client, we ask you to immediately remove the AI-generated voice recording you posted as a video and the narration of the defamatory comments you inadvertently and dangerously attributed to our client,” the legal team explained.
The lawyers also warned that failure to comply with these demands would result in immediate legal action.
“Please note: If you fail to utilize the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms set out in paragraphs 10 and 11 of this Payment Notice, we will immediately seek legal remedies in the competent courts without further notice to you. We hope this issue will be resolved within 24 hours.”
“Our client has been informed that you have recently published an AI-generated voice call that purports to have occurred between an anonymous individual and our client. For the record, our client has never had a single voice conversation with this person and your defamation and threats should be withdrawn through social media platforms within 24 hours of the delivery of this demand letter,” the suit read, and has publicly apologized in two national newspapers and shared an apology video on all social media platforms. In addition, the suit also seeks damages of 1 billion naira for reputational damage.
“As far as our client is concerned, we demand that you immediately remove the said AI-generated voice recording that you published as a video and the defamatory narration comments in which you attributed reckless and dangerous acts to our client,” the Das legal team said.
The lawyers also warned that failure to comply with these demands would result in immediate legal action.
“Please note: If you do not utilize the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms described in paragraphs 10 and 11 of this Payment Notice, we will immediately seek legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction without further notice to you. We hope to resolve this issue within 24 hours.”
