Detroit Mayoral Candidate Solomon Kinloch Sued by Highland Park Activist Over Defamation Claims
A heated battle is unfolding in Oakland County Circuit Court as Highland Park activist Robert Davis has filed a lawsuit against Detroit mayoral candidate Solomon Kinloch Jr. alleging defamation and slander.
According to the lawsuit, Kinloch maliciously lied about Davis during and after a recent debate, claiming he was a "covert operative" for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield's campaign. This false statement was made without presenting any evidence, sparking outrage from Davis who vehemently denies these allegations.
Davis maintains that Kinloch fabricated the claims to resuscitate his failing mayoral campaign. He also asserts that the statements were made with actual malice, implying a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation.
The lawsuit highlights a long-standing feud between Kinloch and Davis over various issues, including delinquent water bills at two of Kinloch's churches in Detroit, as well as alleged fraudulent real estate transactions involving Triumph Church. The Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating these dealings.
A recent survey conducted by the Detroit News and WDIV shows Sheffield leading the race with support from about 65% of likely voters, while Kinloch trails behind at 14%. Davis is seeking at least $250,000 in damages due to Kinloch's "false and defamatory statements," which he claims have resulted in him losing potential clients.
The dispute also centers around Triumph Church's purchase of the former AMC Star Southfield theater site in Southfield. Davis alleges that this transaction was not for a lawful church or religious purpose but rather fraudulent, violating Michigan and Internal Revenue Service laws.
As tensions rise in the lead-up to the mayoral election, both candidates are expected to engage in increasingly heated rhetoric. However, with Kinloch facing several lawsuits from critics like Davis, his campaign is under intense scrutiny.
A heated battle is unfolding in Oakland County Circuit Court as Highland Park activist Robert Davis has filed a lawsuit against Detroit mayoral candidate Solomon Kinloch Jr. alleging defamation and slander.
According to the lawsuit, Kinloch maliciously lied about Davis during and after a recent debate, claiming he was a "covert operative" for Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield's campaign. This false statement was made without presenting any evidence, sparking outrage from Davis who vehemently denies these allegations.
Davis maintains that Kinloch fabricated the claims to resuscitate his failing mayoral campaign. He also asserts that the statements were made with actual malice, implying a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation.
The lawsuit highlights a long-standing feud between Kinloch and Davis over various issues, including delinquent water bills at two of Kinloch's churches in Detroit, as well as alleged fraudulent real estate transactions involving Triumph Church. The Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating these dealings.
A recent survey conducted by the Detroit News and WDIV shows Sheffield leading the race with support from about 65% of likely voters, while Kinloch trails behind at 14%. Davis is seeking at least $250,000 in damages due to Kinloch's "false and defamatory statements," which he claims have resulted in him losing potential clients.
The dispute also centers around Triumph Church's purchase of the former AMC Star Southfield theater site in Southfield. Davis alleges that this transaction was not for a lawful church or religious purpose but rather fraudulent, violating Michigan and Internal Revenue Service laws.
As tensions rise in the lead-up to the mayoral election, both candidates are expected to engage in increasingly heated rhetoric. However, with Kinloch facing several lawsuits from critics like Davis, his campaign is under intense scrutiny.