Defamation Proceeding takes Next Step
PRESS RELEASE
21 February 2014
Defamation Proceeding
takes Next Step
EMBARGOED UNTIL 5PM FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY
2014
Colin Craig is taking the next steps in defamation proceedings against Green Party Leader Russell Norman.
"Unfortunately Mr Norman has not seen fit to apologise for his comments against me at the Big Gay Out. His comments were provably untrue, and in my view defamatory," Mr Craig says.
"An apology was not a lot to ask for," says Mr Craig, "but Mr Norman has refused to provide one, and therefore I am taking the next step."
"I have today written to my lawyers asking them to undertake the following:
1. Draft a Statement of Claim,
2. Provide an estimate of costs, and
3. Advise on possible timeframes of a court proceeding."
"Furthermore, I have asked my legal team to review comments made by Mr Norman on the TVNZ Breakfast programme this week. Preliminary legal advice is that part of those comments may also be defamatory. Once this assessment is made they may be added to the claim."
"I expect to have detailed responses on all the above from my legal team late next week," Mr Craig says.
ENDS