Anas vrs. Kennedy Agyapong: U.S. Court slashes $18m defamation fine to $500

A U.S. court has significantly reduced the defamation damages against Kennedy Agyapong. The amount was lowered from $18 million to just $500.

The Superior Court of New Jersey had awarded investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas $18 million. This was in a defamation suit he filed against Agyapong and Frederick Asamoah, a social media commentator.

The case arose from allegedly defamatory remarks made during a 2021 interview. This interview was broadcast online.

On May 12, Anas' organization, Tiger Eye PI, issued a press release. They confirmed that the jury's verdict in favor of Anas still stands. However, the trial judge approved a motion for remittitur. This legal mechanism reduces excessive damages, resulting in the new amount of $500.

Despite this reduction, the plaintiff believes the court's decision confirms the finding of defamation.