Hawaii Jury Awards Three Canadians $56m in Defamation Case Against Online Spiritual Teacher

A jury in Hawaii has awarded three Canadians US$40.1 million, equivalent to more than C$56 million, in a defamation case against an online spiritual teacher accused of running a cult-like organisation.

The jury ordered Liane Wilson, who operates online as Liana Shanti, to pay Paula Haygarth and Saskatchewan couple Byron and Stefanie Horvath following a four-year legal battle.

The award came after an eight-person jury rejected allegations Wilson had made against the Canadians and ruled that she had defamed them.

How the Legal Dispute Began

Wilson, who describes herself as a spiritual teacher with about 100,000 online students, initially sued the three Canadians over social media posts in which they allegedly described her as a fraudster and cult leader responsible for breaking up families.

The Canadians filed a countersuit, accusing her of conducting an online harassment campaign that portrayed them as supporters of paedophiles, practitioners of black magic and child abusers.

The cases were heard in Hawaii, where Wilson is based. The jury ultimately found in favour of the Canadians.

Former Followers Raise Concerns

Former followers interviewed by CTV News' investigative programme W5 described concerns about Wilson's influence over their personal and family relationships.

Amanda Brady, a former follower from Regina, Saskatchewan, said she spent tens of thousands of dollars on Wilson's sessions and courses after seeking advice about her family.

Brady alleged that Wilson warned her that Haygarth was practising witchcraft against her family and encouraged her to book paid sessions.

UK-based cult expert Kacey Baker, who has interviewed about 30 people affected by Wilson, said some former followers and their relatives believe the organisation used coercion and control to create dependence on its leader.

Baker also raised concerns that personal information shared by followers could allegedly be used to intimidate or discredit those who chose to leave or speak publicly.

Former Followers Describe Fallout

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson reportedly warned Canadian followers that the country was dangerous and encouraged them to relocate to Florida, which she presented as a safer place to raise their children.

Several followers eventually left the community and returned to Canada. Some alleged that Wilson subsequently targeted them and their relatives online with accusations of demonic behaviour and child abuse.

Haygarth said the jury's decision brought relief after years of what she described as traumatic online abuse.

Wilson Plans to Appeal

The financial award could help the Canadians recover substantial legal expenses incurred during the case. Haygarth said her legal bills alone exceeded US$600,000, forcing her and her husband to sell their Saskatchewan home and move into a trailer.

However, the plaintiffs have not yet received payment and remain uncertain about whether they will recover the full award.

Wilson has said she intends to appeal the verdict. She declined W5's repeated requests for an interview but disputed the allegations in an email, claiming the case against her was based on a fictional narrative created by her accusers.

CTV News