Marini naturals CEO Michelle Ntalami has taken legal action against South African-based TV channel M-Net for using her images in reality TV show, Real housewives of Nairobi, without consent.
In a case filed at the High Court in Nairobi, Michelle is seeking compensation for alleged defamation and use of her image and voice.
She has named Minne Kariuki Njuguna, Young Rich Television Ltd, M-NET and D&R Studios Ltd as the defendants.
Ntalami claims that on November 8, last year, she was invited by Susan Kaittany for dinner and the launch of her Sip & Scent event at the Tribe Hotel. She said there was a filming crew at the event.
She claims to have asked one of the Young Rich Television and D&R Studios crew members about her actor’s agreement or consent form, but was not offered.
When the Real Housewives of Nairobi show launched on February 23 on M-NET, Ntalami was featured. Court documents indicate she featured in Episodes 1 and 2, and a Reunion episode.
As soon as the show was launched, she claims, Minne started bullying her. Malicious words, according to Ntalami, were used against her on the show, on television and radio shows, and on social media. The defamatory words, she says, were meant to disparage her business, adding that she has suffered damages as a result.
Ntalami is claiming general damages for commercial exploitation and aggravated damages for the republication of the defamatory words.