Michelle Ntalami sues media giant M-Net and influencer Minnie

Influencer Michelle Ntalami has taken legal action against South African-based TV channel M-Net.

Ntalami is alleging M-Net unauthorized use of her images in a reality TV show ”The Real Housewives of Nairobi” without her consent.

The lawsuit, filed in the High Court in Nairobi, seeks compensation for defamation and the unauthorized use of her image and voice.

In the case filling Ntalami has named Minne Kariuki Njuguna (also known as Minne Cayy), Young Rich Television Limited, Electronic Media Network Proprietary Limited (M-NET), and D&R Studios Limited as defendants in the case.

Michelle Ntalami on an outdoor shoot. The Influencer has taken to court media giant M-Net to court and followed up with individual defamation cases in relation to her brand. Photo: Michelle Ntalami/ Instagram

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In her legal filing, Ntalami stated that on November 8, 2022, she received an invitation from Susan Kaittany to attend an event.

Consequently, the event in question is the ‘Sip & Scent’ event at the Tribe Hotel which she attended as Susan Kaittany’s guest.

However, during the event, she noticed the presence of a filming crew. When she inquired about her actor’s agreement and consent form.

Young Rich Television Limited and D&R Studios Limited owned by award-winning Producer Eugene Mbugua were however responsible for the recording.

CEO D&R Studios Eugene Mbugua. D&R Studios is among the defendants named in a case filed by Influencer Michelle Ntalami over the use of her persona. Photo: Eugene Mbuga/ Twitter

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What Ntalami claims

Ntalami claims she did not provide consent for the recording of her likeness, image, voice, or brand in any form related to the show.

This claim covers videos, audio recordings, photographs, or other recordings.

Consequently, Ntalami appeared in Episodes 1 and 2, as well as a Reunion episode of The Real Housewives of Nairobi.

According to Ntalami, she approached Kaittany to inquire about the actor’s contract, image rights release, and consent agreement.

She however did not get a formal response over the use of her material in the riveting reality series leading to the conclusion to sue.

Influencer Michelle Ntalami at a shoot. According to the case filed at the Kenyan High Court Ntalami appeared in Episodes 1 and 2, as well as a Reunion episode of The Real Housewives of Nairobi with her consent. Photo: Michelle Ntalami/ Instagram

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Ntalami sues Minne Cayy

In addition to the allegations of unauthorized use of her image, Ntalami decided to go legal on Minnie Cayy.

Ntalami is suing Minne Cayy for defamation.

The fashion Icon claims that after the show’s launch, Minne engaged in cyberbullying and made false and malicious statements about her.

These ill-conceived sentiments were disseminated through various media channels and social media platforms.

Ntalami alleges that these statements were intentionally poised to not just harm her reputation but her business brand as well.

Minnie Kariuki (Minnie Cayy). Michelle Ntalami is suing Minne Cayy for defamation over attacks aimed at her and her brand. Photo: Minnie Cayy/ Instagram

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Compensation in question

Ntalami is seeking compensation for general damages resulting from the unauthorized commercial exploitation of her personal rights.

Additionally, she is also seeking compensation for aggravated damages due to the continued republication of defamatory statements by the defendant, that is Minnie Cayy.

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