VANCOUVER, B.C. (CN) - Mixed martial arts fighter Dominic Richard claims the Vancouver Sun and its reporter Kim Bolan defamed him in a front-page story that falsely claimed he was a gang member involved in drug dealing and murder - then publishing a small apology on the inside of the newspaper.
Bolan's story, which was also published online, explored links between criminal gangs and the burgeoning mixed martial arts scene after Joe Krantz, a fight-club owner and member of the Independent Soldiers gang, was gunned down.
Richard says the story described him as a member of the Independent Soldiers gang, one of several groups clamoring for a piece of British Columbia's lucrative drug trade. Richard appeared in a front-page photograph taken at a fight held at Krantz's club, where he defeated a member of the United Nations gang.
Richard he claims Bolan never contacted him to check the information in the story.
After he sent a written demand for an apology through his lawyer, the complaint states, the Sun published a small apology but only slightly edited the online version of the story.
Richard also sued the Sun's corporate parent, CanWest Mediaworks Publications, Sun publisher Kevin Bent, editor-in-chief Patricia Graham and the Pacific Newspaper Group.
Richard is represented by Bryan G. Baynham with Harper Grey LLP.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.