Actress Minne Kariuki has hit back at Marini products CEO Michelle Ntalami over a lawsuit on claims of defamation.
In a cease and desist letter addressed to Ntalami and dated October 5, 2023, the actress said she was yet to receive a copy of the court papers in the said lawsuit against her.
Through Mwenda Njagi & Co Advocates, Kariuki has given Ntalami three days to cease and desist from making further defamatory remarks through social media or any other platform.
"Unconditionally and publicly retract your previous statements and refrain from any further attempts to tarnish our client's reputation," the letter adds.
After Ntalami complies with the demands, the counsel added that they will demand Sh3 million as damages for allegedly defaming Kariuki.
The entrepreneur is also expected to formally serve Kariuki with all court documents as required by the applicable laws and regulations.
"Take notice that unless our client's demands are met within three days we are under firm instructions to take legal action against you including instituting a suit for damages at your own peril as to costs and other consequences thereof," the letter adds.
The suit in question is dated September 25 and listed Kariuki, Young Rich Television, M-Net and D&R Studios as the defendants in the alleged defamation.
The reputational damage is said to have taken place during and after the filming of 'The Real Housewives of Nairobi'.
Kariuki faulted Ntalami for initiating public statements suggesting a legal suit, yet she had not furnished the actress with the proper notice or legal documents.
This, according to Kariuki, amounted to defamation and inaccuracy, which had adverse effects on her career and work prospects.
She added that her reputation will not be tarnished to satisfy "clout-chasing", warning Ntalami of legal consequences.
In the letter, Kariuki claimed that Ntalami filed the suit after learning that she was not going to be cast in Season 2 of the show.
She also claimed that the entrepreneur was aware of the filming at Tribe Hotel prior, contrary to Ntalami's statements.
"That without delving into the merits of your claim which is absurd, our client maintains that you attended the inaugural event at Windsor Golf Club wherein you gave a speech and voluntarily had a chopper ride from Karen to The Tribe Hotel - Village Market where the filming occurred in full glare of cameras," the letter reads.
In her suit, Ntalami accused the actress of publishing and speaking with malice about her in a manner that attacked her personality, character, good social standing, business, personal and business brand.
The defamatory remarks, she said, greatly injured her credit, standing and reputation personally and in her business.
This was done on diverse dates between February 23, and March 2, 2023.