Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is a social media influencer and activist who has been sued by popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo for alleged defamation.
According to Chinwo, VDM violated her contract with her previous record label, which was controlled by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, by publishing defamatory remarks about her on several social media platforms in February.
VDM had claimed that Chinwo broke the terms of their contract by taking money from gigs and not paying the label.
According to Chinwo’s attorney, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a March 3 lawsuit, VDM’s remarks were “malicious and damaging” to her image.
Although not directly involved in the conflict between Chinwo and EeZee Tee, Olajengbesi contended that VDM purposefully handled the issue in a way that damaged the singer’s reputation.
VDM ridiculed Chinwo and supported EeZee Tee’s side in the disagreement, he claimed, posting several viral videos on the subject that reached millions of followers.
The lawsuit states that the claimant has “neither had any form of relationship with the Defendant nor was the Defendant involved in the issue between the claimant and Mr. EeZee Tee in any material particular.”
“The Claimant claims that the Defendant’s remarks in the videos he posted on his Instagram page gave the impression that he was directly involved in the disputes between the Claimant and Mr. EeZee Tee; however, these claims were not only untrue but also defamatory and detrimental to the Claimant’s reputation and public image.”
VDM is being sued to get a court order to take down the allegedly defamatory posts from all of his social media accounts.
Additionally, Olajengbesi asked VDM to take back the remarks, apologize unconditionally on all of his social media accounts, and publish the apologies in two nationally read publications.
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For defamation, the attorney is also requesting ₦1 billion in general damages, ₦100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, ₦25 million for suit costs, and 10% yearly interest on the judgment amount until it is paid in full.
He further asked that VDM run the apology for at least 14 days in a row in four major publications.
Chinwo, on the other hand, had previously accused EeZee Tee of using her, threatening to kill her, and spreading untrue allegations regarding the paternity of her child.
She said he put her safety in risk, causing her to move from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in an Instagram video.
