By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018, has successfully won her legal battle against a showbiz editor and writer over libel and cyber libel charges. Her legal counsel, Atty. Joji Alonso, shared the victory through an Instagram post on September 21, 2024, marking the end of a four-year legal pursuit.
The libel and cyber libel cases were filed by Gray in 2020 against Janice Navida, a writer, and Melba Llanera, an editor from the tabloid Bulgar. The court found both individuals guilty beyond reasonable doubt of libel, under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code. Navida was additionally found guilty of cyber libel. The two were sentenced to prison as part of their conviction.
The legal proceedings stemmed from a scandal in 2020 when a digitally altered topless photo of Gray circulated online. Atty. Alonso quickly denounced the image, stating it was fake and had been maliciously spread. Gray took legal action by filing complaints and sought help from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to trace those responsible for the altered photo. Additionally, Gray demanded a public apology from Bulgar and P10 million in legal damages for the harm caused.
Instead of issuing an apology, Navida claimed that her tabloid had actually “protected” Gray by withholding the original photo, which had been sent to them. Navida argued that the intention was to inform the public about the individuals circulating the fake photo. However, this defense did not stand in court.
Catriona Gray’s legal victory is not only a personal win but also a significant milestone in the fight against defamation, particularly for high-profile individuals in the public eye. The successful resolution of this case underscores the growing importance of holding individuals accountable for malicious online activity, especially in the era of digital misinformation. Gray’s decision to pursue legal justice reinforces the message that such actions will not go unchallenged.
