Popular Dancehall Artiste, Andre ‘Popcaan’ Sutherland is suing the Jamaica Constabulary Force for defamation. They filed the motion in the Supreme Court Friday morning. The suit was filed on the basis of inaccurate claims allegedly released by the JCF in a press release on July 6 and has been filed by Bert Samuels, the Attorney representing the Artiste.
In a press briefing, Samuels says the press release has caused his client great distress. The lawyers say referencing the artiste’s previous conviction in 2009, and falsely stating that he was arrested for cocaine related matters in Barbados, is deemed a crime, and has tainted his client’s reputation. It’s understood some of the charges mentioned were expunged and others unfounded.
Further supporting his claims, Samuels adds that the police report from Barbados definitively states that they have no record of the artiste being arrested in that jurisdiction regarding cocaine matters. Samuels says the security arm of the government is to be blamed for Popcaan’s experience. Meanwhile, one of the attorneys on the team, Bianca Samuels says an apology from the JCF will not negate the defamation lawsuit, nor its possible success.
The artiste, who is internationally recognized for his music, is claiming damages for defamation, interest, legal costs and any further relief that the court may deem necessary.
Reporter: Nasika Alliman
