Action Station has set up a fundraising campaign via GiveALittle to help raise money for Renae Maihi in her defence of defamation by Bob Jones.
Maihi had set up a petition calling for Jones to be stripped of his knighthood after he wrote a silly “Māori Gratitude Day” NBR column that disparaged Māori. I thought this was a well intentioned but inappropriate and over the top (and unsuccessful) petition.
In response Jones filed defamation proceedings against Maihi. I think this was even sillier and more over the top from Jones, and could be seen as using the court for bullying that only a rich person could afford.
So I think it’s fair enough to crowd fund for a defence of the defamation.
Good on Action Station for doing this (not so sensible of them to support the petition).
GiveALittle: Legal fund for Renae Maihi
Multi-millionaire Bob Jones has issued high court defamation proceedings against filmmaker Renae Maihi and she needs our help
Funds raised will be used to help Renae for any legal bills she may incur as a result of Bob Jones’ lawsuit.
Defamation proceedings can be horrendously expensive just to defend – that’s why usually only rich people attempt them.
While I don’t know what Jones’ motives are here, defamation actions can be used as a form of financial retribution.
The petition: https://www.change.org/p/rt-hon-jacinder-ardern-strip-racist-sir-bob-jones-of-his-knighthood-read-his-vile-rant-here/
About the lawsuit: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12065598
I didn’t support or sign the petition, but I think the defamation is thin skinned, over the top, and could be a rich privileged abuse of the legal system.
Has Jones got a reputation to defend here? If it goes to trial that will be for the court to decide.