PEOPLE’S National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton is proceeding with the $10 million defamation lawsuit against We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) General Secretary Odessa Primus, stating that any allegation of him receiving funds from a sitting government official is “absolute garbage.”
Norton during a press conference on Friday stated that the lawsuit targets statements, which he considers as defamatory and damaging to his reputation.
“And so, for me, it is an attempt and an attack on my integrity, and I wouldn’t allow it, because I have campaigned with my integrity. I live my life in a particular way,” he said, adding: “And this is a trend of some people of Odessa’s ilk; having slandered/libelled you, they then go on like if they’re the victim.”
Additionally, Norton rejected efforts to frame the issue along racial lines, asserting: “I believe that she is out of place and then I saw some of her supporters resorting to blackness. ‘Why is he doing this to a black woman?’ May I make this point, when she said what she said about me, I was black. I didn’t become black last week, and so don’t play the black race card with me.”
As the PNCR leader confirmed that the legal proceedings will move forward, he stated that those who make public accusations should be prepared to substantiate them in court.
“When you say something like that and you’re from another political party, you seeking to score political points and influence people out there,” he said.
Norton made it clear: “But for me, once you challenge my integrity, especially in finances, I will take you to court. If you believe what you said is true, come in the court and support your arguments.”
He also took aim at social media commentators, stating that those who deem themselves as “influencers,” must not be allowed to spread misinformation and false information, and be allowed to go “scotch [sic] free.”
Attorney-at-law Dexter Smartt, on behalf of Norton, in a letter wrote that on January 30, 2026, Primus “falsely and maliciously” published a statement on her Facebook page with claims against Norton.
In a formal response on Tuesday through her attorney Eusi Anderson, Primus rejected the claims that she defamed the PNCR leader.
It was noted that the letter issued by Norton’s attorney was dated February 24, requiring a response by February 25. A correspondence to the letter was sent only on March 17, thereby missing the deadline.
Her legal team apologised for missing the deadline but nevertheless, challenged the claims that are being made.
Central to the dispute is a question posed in Primus’ original post: “Tell your people who collecting Bharat money?”
According to her attorneys, the statement was phrased as a question and did not directly accuse Norton of wrongdoing, arguing that the MP was instead issuing a call for “accountability and transparency.”
