2025 ONSC 554 (January 27, 2025)
- Zhou Chen, a former employee of Diverse Transportation, claimed unpaid wages and obtained a garnishment order, receiving approximately $20,000.
- Chen later demanded an additional $1,116.55 in interest and vacation pay.
- When Diverse disputed the claim, Chen threatened to expose alleged fraudulent and unsafe business practices unless he was paid.
- He followed through by emailing defamatory accusations to Diverse’s largest customers, linking his claims to his demand for payment.
- The court found that his allegations were not matters of public interest but a means of pressuring Diverse into paying him.
- Chen’s anti-SLAPP motion was dismissed, allowing Diverse’s defamation claim to proceed.
2025 ONSC 1552 (March 6, 2025)
- The court reviewed costs following the dismissal of the anti-SLAPP motion.
- Chen persisted in his defense despite clear evidence refuting his allegations.
- The court found his conduct amounted to extortion and exercised discretion under section 137.1(8) of the Courts of Justice Act to award costs.
- Chen was ordered to pay Diverse $50,000 in costs.
Outcome
- Diverse’s defamation lawsuit will proceed.
- Chen’s anti-SLAPP motion was dismissed.
- Chen must pay $50,000 in costs to Diverse.
