Judge orders ‘Melly Mel’ to pay over $38M in defamation damages to Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital
Judge orders ‘Melly Mel’ to pay over $38M in defamation damages to Dr Balwant Singh’s HospitalUS-based social media commentator Melissa Ann Atwell, better known as “Melly Mel”, has been ordered to pay in excess of $38 million to Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital Inc. and its principal, Dr Madhu Singh.
The order follows a Demerara High Court ruling against her in a 2019 defamation lawsuit brought against her by the private hospital.
Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln handed down the ruling on September 3, 2025.
The case stemmed from posts published by Atwell on Facebook in June 2019, where she circulated damaging allegations about the hospital and its medical practice.
The claimants argued that the posts were defamatory and harmful to their reputation. The court agreed and dismissed Atwell’s defence of justification.
In fact, the court determined that Atwell conducted an unverified campaign against the claimants by posting multiple allegations allegedly sourced from third parties.
It further found that she took no steps to verify the accuracy of these statements, nor did she seek a comment or response from the claimants.
Atwell was ordered to pay $20 million to Dr Singh, $15 million to the hospital, and $3.15 million in costs.
She must also ensure that all defamatory statements are removed from her Facebook page.
Representing the claimants were Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, Senior Counsel Stephen Fraser, and Attorney Shantel Scott-Lall.
Atwell was represented by Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, along with Attorneys Donovan Rangiah, Anessa Chow, and Mohanie Anganoo.
Atwell’s legal woes are not limited to the case brought by Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital.
Just weeks ago, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, secured a default judgment against her in similar proceedings.
In November 2024, Minister Nandlall filed legal proceedings seeking more than $100 million in damages, citing what he described as libellous posts about him published on Atwell’s Facebook page.
While the court has already ruled in his favour, the quantum of damages is still to be assessed.
