MC Fish’s partner dismisses actress Anita Joseph’s legal threat over defamation claims
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gbemi, the partner of comedian MC Fish, has responded to a legal threat from his estranged wife, actress Anita Joseph.
- Anita Joseph issued a cease-and-desist letter accusing Gbemi of defamation on social media.
- Gbemi dismissed the threat, stating that only a court can issue a restraining order, not a lawyer or the Nigerian Bar Association.
Gbemi, the new partner of Nigerian comedian MC Fish, has publicly refuted a legal threat issued by his estranged wife, actress Anita Joseph. Joseph, through her lawyer, sent a cease-and-desist letter accusing Gbemi of making defamatory statements on social media.
The actress's legal notice demands that Gbemi immediately halt any allegedly defamatory remarks that could harm Joseph's reputation. The letter warns that failure to comply could result in legal action seeking redress, compensation, and damages.
We know the law. This isn’t African Magic. Restraining order? The answer is generally no. Only a court can issue a restraining order or injunction. A valid court order is typically issued by a judge and forms part of a court proceeding. It will ordinarily bear the court’s identifying details and be authenticated according to the court’s procedures.
However, Gbemi responded on her Instagram Story, asserting that such legal demands are not enforceable outside of a court of law. She emphasized that only a judge can issue a restraining order or injunction, dismissing the lawyer's letter as ineffective. "We know the law. This isn't African Magic," Gbemi stated, referencing a popular Nigerian television drama series.
Gbemi's relationship with MC Fish became public after his separation from Anita Joseph. The couple faced criticism, with many accusing Gbemi of breaking up the marriage, allegations she has denied, stating her relationship began after MC Fish was single. The dispute highlights the ongoing public fallout from the couple's separation.
Our client is lenient enough to forewarn you to desist from further nefarious activities done by yourself and your woman towards her brand and public image. Take further note that failure to refrain from making defamatory remarks and libels against our client shall invoke the necessity to approach a court of competent jurisdiction for redress, compensation and damages.
Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.