Chealse Sophia Howell, a former Miss Canada and entrepreneur with longstanding involvement in the modeling, talent management, and brand development industries, has filed a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, Florida, alleging defamation, tortious interference, and emotional distress caused by Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC.
According to the complaint, Howell has spent more than two decades building her professional reputation across multiple industries that depend heavily on credibility, public trust, and brand integrity. She is the founder of Haute Agency, a talent management and brand development firm, and the founder of a skincare company operating under her name. The lawsuit emphasizes that Howell’s businesses rely on professional relationships, endorsements, and partnerships that can be easily disrupted by reputational harm.
The lawsuit alleges that beginning in January 2024, Grant Cardone used his social media platforms to publish and amplify statements implying that Howell was involved in criminal conduct, including sex trafficking and human trafficking. According to the filing, these statements were disseminated to millions of users across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where Grant Cardone maintains a substantial following.
The complaint asserts that under Florida law, accusations of serious criminal activity constitute defamation per se. In such cases, damages to reputation are presumed due to the gravity of the allegations, without the need for a plaintiff to prove specific economic losses. Howell alleges that the statements were made with “actual malice,” meaning they were published with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for whether they were true or false.
In addition to reputational harm, Howell alleges that the statements triggered significant real-world consequences. The lawsuit claims that business partners distanced themselves, contracts were canceled, and prospective deals were abandoned after the allegations circulated online. Howell further alleges that the posts led to harassment, threats, and safety concerns, including individuals attempting to locate her personal residence.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages exceeding $500 million, as well as injunctive relief to prevent further dissemination of the alleged defamatory statements. Howell has also demanded a jury trial on all issues triable by law. According to the filing, the relief sought is intended not only to address past harm but also to prevent continued damage caused by the ongoing availability of the statements online.
Also Check:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Uyk_ZHhL84JKT_v2_UdsSYS_XgD7TR-t/view?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1crUZMoULb3sVNaSAXn_amXsl_B_bMFO0/view?usp=drivesdk
Disclaimer: This press release is based on allegations contained in a civil complaint. All defendants are presumed innocent of wrongdoing unless and until proven otherwise in a court of law.
