Marini Naturals CEO Michelle Ntalami has filed a lawsuit against Real Housewives of Nairobi cast member Minne Kariuki, DNR Studios and M-NET, in a case filed at the High Court in Nairobi.
The entrepreneur and Instagram personality is seeking compensation for damages caused by what she terms as ‘bullying’ and ‘insults’ from the ‘Single Kiasi’ actress that she is adamant started as soon as the first episode of ‘Real Housewives of Nairobi’ aired, in a suit application dated September 25 through Kilonzo & Company Advocates.
In the same breath, she is suing D&R Studios and M-NET – the production companies behind the reality show for publishing images and likeness of her without prior giving her an Actor’s Consent Form.
Sharing the code of conduct of Young Rich Television Limited that she says the company itself breached, Ntalami wrote: “Today I take a firm stand for myself and other women against the belittling and degrading of women in Kenya through a show that sadly profits off of this; “The Real Housewives of Nairobi.” It’s a shame to know that those in-charge of this show commercially exploit others, prioritize clicks and views over the concerns, mental health and well-being of individuals, and violate the country’s broadcasting laws.”
The businesswoman broke down the contents of her suit against the companies as follows:
D&R Studios:
– Through your own negligence, you did not give me an Actor’s Consent Form.
-You violated my IP rights by using my image without my consent or a contract.
– You refused to curb your housewife from cyberbullying and defamatory attacks.
-You ignored my lenient requirements in my Cease & Desist Demand Letter.
– I tried to reason this out amicably with you but you dismissed me.
MNET TV:
– You breached your own Code of Conduct.
– You went against @kfcbkenya and @ca.kenya Programming Regulations.
-You violated my Privacy Rights to Data Protection
-You violated my IP rights.
– You aided and abetted cyberbullying, defamation and my commercial exploitation.
– You went ahead and still used my image in the Reunion, despite my Demand Letter.
– You published lies at the Reunion claiming that you asked me to attend and I declined.
To Kariuki, Ntalami sternly warned: “Your bullying and insults is what has led us here. You could have been the Queen of anything to grow your personal brand on a global show, but instead you chose ‘Queen of Shade.’ Joke’s on you. You get high off bullying and putting other women down. But soon enough, you were bound to meet the wrong one.”
Ntalami doubled down on never wanting to be a cast member on the popular show. “I will never consent to be cast in a show that in my opinion, degrades women, advocates for bullying, damages their personal brand, social standing, mental health and overall well-being. I am a woman of worth with a respected name. Cast your net elsewhere. This kind is cut from a different cloth,” She warned.
Real Housewives of Nairobi cast member Susan Kaittany showed support to her friend, writing: “I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself. I stand with you.”
