THE High Court in Lautoka has upheld an interim injunction restraining popular social media personality Ana Masere from verbally abusing and posting alleged defamatory comments about Nadi businessman King Anwar Hussain on social media.
Justice Anare Tuilevuka delivered the ruling on August 20, maintaining the ex-parte injunction originally granted against Ms Masere in April 2025.
The court order restrains Ms Masere from making abusive posts regarding Mr Hussain, also known as “Buddha”, on social media platforms pending the final determination of the substantive lawsuit.
Mr Hussain initiated legal action after Ms Masere published a video post alleging he engaged in indecently assaulting girls and making derisive remarks about his anatomical features.
In her defence, Ms Masere claimed the comments were not directed at any identifiable person and argued the court order infringed on her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Rejecting her arguments, Justice Tuilevuka held that freedom of expression is not absolute and does not shield false statements that undermine an individual’s right to dignity, privacy, and reputation.
The court noted that given the long-standing business association between both parties and the fact that Mr Hussain is publicly known by the name used in the post, a reasonable reader within their social circuit could identify him as the subject.
The court ruled that serious allegations of indecent assault, if false and directed at an identifiable individual, amount to defamation.
Ms Masere was also ordered to pay $1000 in costs to Mr Hussain within 21 days.
