Elizabeth Gonzales
Former THA Chief Secretary and Senator Ancil Dennis's attorney has rejected defamation claims made against him by THA Secretary Zorisha Hackett, stating that the legal notice sent to him does not meet procedural standards.
Hackett served Dennis with the pre-action legal letter on 12 February, giving him seven days to apologise and retract allegations of mismanagement.
In a response issued by attorney Kareem Marcelle, Dennis’s legal team argued that Hackett’s legal letter failed to establish a prima facie case of defamation. They stated that it lacked essential details, supporting documents, and references to legal principles.
Dennis also denied defaming Hackett. The letter asserted that his statements were based on facts, opinion, and public interest. His attorneys have called on Hackett to withdraw the claim and cover Dennis’s legal costs.
The dispute stems from Dennis’s criticisms of the THA’s handling of tertiary education support grants.