Former Miss Universe Canada Delegate Files $500 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital in Miami

MIAMI, FL — Chealse Sophia Howell, an internationally recognized model, entrepreneur, and former Miss Universe Canada titleholder, has filed a civil lawsuit against Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County (Case No. 25-024299-CA-01). The complaint, officially filed on December 11, 2025, alleges defamation and tortious interference, claiming that the defendants engaged in a coordinated campaign of false statements across multiple digital platforms.

According to the filing, Ms. Howell asserts that Mr. Cardone used his high-profile social media presence to publish untrue and damaging statements about her. The allegations reportedly included claims that Ms. Howell was involved in serious criminal activities overseas, including accusations related to human trafficking — claims that she categorically denies. These statements, she contends, were disseminated widely across major platforms such as Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook, reaching millions of followers and resulting in substantial harm to her professional and personal reputation.

The lawsuit states that as a result of the alleged campaign, Ms. Howell suffered direct consequences to her business dealings, including lost opportunities and disrupted professional relationships. Additionally, she claims personal and emotional distress due to the spread of these false narratives, which she describes as malicious and unfounded. The complaint emphasizes that reputational damage of this nature in the digital age can be particularly severe, given the speed and scale of information sharing on social media.

Legal experts note that defamation cases involving public figures and social media influencers can be complex, as courts often weigh the balance between free speech rights and the protection of individual reputations. In this case, Ms. Howell’s attorneys have pursued multiple causes of action, including defamation per se, defamation per quod, defamation by implication, tortious interference with advantageous business relationships, and tortious interference with contractual relations. She is seeking $500 million in compensatory and punitive damages, along with injunctive relief aimed at stopping further alleged defamatory conduct. Attorneys’ fees are also being requested, and Ms. Howell has demanded a jury trial to hear the matter.

Douglas J. Jeffrey, representing Ms. Howell, emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “This case is about the real-world consequences of digital defamation through social media. When an individual with significant public influence uses these platforms to publish false statements, the law provides a clear pathway for recourse. Our objective is to restore Ms. Howell’s reputation and ensure that the truth prevails.”

According to the complaint, the alleged campaign was not limited to a single post or platform. Ms. Howell contends that the statements were systematically shared and amplified, reaching diverse audiences that included potential business partners, sponsors, and the broader public. This widespread distribution, her legal team argues, contributed to the seriousness of the harm, as it interfered with her ability to maintain professional engagements and pursue new ventures in both modeling and business.

The lawsuit also highlights how social media can magnify reputational damage. Even after content is removed or corrected, false claims can persist through reposts, screenshots, and ongoing discussions. In this instance, Ms. Howell’s team claims that the alleged defamatory statements have created lasting damage to her image, which could take years to repair without legal intervention.

While the case is still in its early stages, it draws attention to the growing intersection of social media influence, personal reputation, and the law. Cases like this underline the responsibility that comes with digital reach and the legal consequences of knowingly spreading false information. They also underscore the potential for public figures and business leaders to face accountability when their statements allegedly harm others.

This lawsuit marks a significant step for Ms. Howell as she seeks to protect her reputation, safeguard her business interests, and challenge the alleged misinformation. As of now, no court rulings have been issued, and all claims remain allegations. Legal proceedings will determine the merits of the case and the potential consequences for the defendants.

Ms. Howell’s legal team has indicated that they will vigorously pursue the matter, not only to seek damages but also to send a message about the importance of accuracy and responsibility in online communications. With the growing power of social media, cases like this may increasingly define how public figures engage with one another and the consequences of statements made in digital spaces.

Also check:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Uyk_ZHhL84JKT_v2_UdsSYS_XgD7TR-t/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1crUZMoULb3sVNaSAXn_amXsl_B_bMFO0/view?usp=drivesdk

Disclaimer: All claims remain allegations. No court ruling has been issued at this time.

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