Defamation lawsuit victory earns Yvonne Nelson GH¢340K damages
Defamation lawsuit victory belongs to actress Yvonne Nelson as she triumphs over TV host Mona Gucci in court. The Accra High Court ruled on July 30, 2025, after a drawn-out legal dispute that began in 2021.
Right from the beginning, Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay made it clear that the court would not tolerate reckless speech. Mona Gucci had made claims on Neat FM, branding Nelson a “slay queen” and alleging her lifestyle was funded by hidden benefactors. These comments, however, carried weight far beyond gossip.
Naturally, Nelson rejected these remarks. She insisted that such statements not only misrepresented her public persona but also attacked her dignity and professional credibility. Because of this, the court found her argument compelling and supported her claim.
Consequently, Justice Kocuvie-Tay ruled in favor of the actress and ordered Mona Gucci to retract the defamatory remarks. Moreover, the retraction must occur on the same platform where the damage was done—Neat FM.
In addition, the court imposed serious penalties. General damages totaled GH¢250,000. Exemplary damages added another GH¢50,000. Legal costs were GH¢40,000, bringing the total to GH¢340,000. All of these penalties served to reinforce the gravity of Gucci’s actions.
Meanwhile, Gucci’s defense struggled. Her legal team, led by Samuel Osei Sarpong, attempted to argue that the remarks were fair comment or based on truth. Yet, the judge rejected those justifications outright.
Throughout the trial, Justice Kocuvie-Tay stressed the need for accountability in public discourse. Public figures, she emphasized, should not be targeted with slander simply because they are visible.
During the proceedings, Mrs. Victoria Barth, who represented Nelson, demonstrated that Gucci’s remarks were both harmful and baseless. She delivered her arguments with clarity, presenting evidence that solidified her client’s position.
Ultimately, this defamation lawsuit victory carries broader implications. Beyond protecting Yvonne Nelson’s name, it challenges media figures to wield their influence more responsibly. The judgment also reminds the public that free speech does not mean freedom from consequences.
Now that the verdict is out, the next step is clear. Mona Gucci must issue a formal apology and retraction. Until then, the public watches.
Truth matters. Reputation matters. And justice, once again, has spoken.
