HIGH Court Judge Navindra Singh, on Friday, dismissed Keron Bruce’s $101 million lawsuit against social media commentator, Mikhail Rodrigues, who is well-known as the ‘Guyanese Critic.’

Bruce, in his Statement of Claim (SoC), sought damages for false statements Rodrigues reportedly made via his Facebook page in which he asserted that he, Bruce, was the person behind the animated character ‘Mudwata’.

However, Rodrigues filed a counterclaim against Bruce arguing that his “assumed character” published that he was a homosexual.

Justice Singh in his ruling stated that the sole evidence advanced by Rodrigues in this regard is that he and Bruce had a conversation sometime in 2017 and he (Bruce) stated that he wanted to create a cartoon character by the name of ‘Mudwata’.

However, Bruce denied knowing Rodrigues or having such a conversation with him. Bruce asserted that another person was present during that conversation, however, that person was not called as a witness.

Justice Singh found that Rodrigues was the only witness in support of his case, and he did not provide any evidence linking the claimant to the YouTube channel ‘Guyana Uncut’ where the ‘Mudwata’ character appears.

After considering the application, Justice Singh ruled that the court finds that Rodrigues failed to prove that the claimant was indeed ‘Mudwata’.

“Consequently, it is unnecessary to determine whether or not the words complained of are defamatory since it cannot be established that the claimant published those words,” the judge said.

In light of the foregoing, the judge dismissed the claim and the counterclaim.

Last year, Bruce was charged for a cybercrime allegedly committed against local media worker, Leroy Smith.
Bruce had denied that, on January 25, 2021, he used a computer system to disseminate information about Smith, knowing it to be false with the intention of subjecting Smith to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, or embarrassment.

The police launched an investigation in the matter after Smith made a report of cyber harassment from individuals who were making publications on social media under the name ‘Mudwata.’

Smith had offered a $1 million reward to anyone who could identify the voice behind the animated character.

Based on the information received, Bruce was arrested, and police said that several pieces of electronic equipment were seized from his home.

The police were also able to acquire some voice messages, which when analysed, allegedly matched the ‘Mudwata’ commentary.