In a defamation ruling, the Supreme Court of Western Australia has ordered Australian-based Liberian socialite and talk-show host Susanna Gbangaye to pay over $395,400 plus economic and non-economic losses and interests in damages to Charlene Eminata Jabbie. The decision, delivered by Justice Tottle on March 7, 2025, comes after Gbangaye was found guilty of making defamatory remarks that severely damaged Jabbie’s reputation and caused significant emotional and financial harm.
The court’s ruling includes $325,000 in non-economic damages to compensate for the harm to Jabbie’s reputation and $70,400 in economic damages for lost income and benefits that Jabbie sustained due to Gbangaye’s defamatory statements. An additional $1,260 was awarded to cover Jabbie’s medical expenses, which were incurred as a result of depression linked to the defamation.
Justice Tottle underscored the severity of Gbangaye’s statements, which were made in a public forum and widely disseminated, inflicting long-lasting damage on the plaintiff’s personal and professional life. The court granted an injunction barring Gbangaye and her associates from making further defamatory statements about Jabbie.
Moreover, Gbangaye has been ordered to cover Jabbie’s legal fees, ensuring that the defamation does not further exacerbate the financial burden of the legal battle. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the legal and reputational consequences individuals face when engaging in defamatory behavior.
The court’s decision highlights the importance of accountability for harmful public statements and reinforces the principle that defamation can carry serious legal repercussions, especially when it targets an individual’s career and emotional well-being.
