The lawyers representing Sportsnet anchor Hazel Mae have released a statement in response to the news that former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has filed a lawsuit with the British Columbia Supreme Court.
The legal documents argue Burke was defamed in online comments accusing him of having a relationship with Mae and suggesting that it was the reason he was fired by the Maple Leafs on Jan. 9.
“Hazel Mae fully supports the lawsuit brought forth by Mr. Burke and feels strongly that people should be held accountable for writing and spreading malicious lies over the Internet,” Mae’s legal counsel Iain MacKinnon said in a statement on behalf of his client Saturday. “Ms. Mae is still considering all of her legal options. She will not be commenting further on the matter at this time.”
Burke said the comments, which were posted anonymously and subsequently spread throughout social media, are untrue and have damaged his reputation.
A statement from Burke’s lawyer Peter Gall released Friday read: “Brian has decided that it is time to stop people who post comments on the Internet from thinking they can fabricate wild stories with impunity. Brian is determined to find the authors of the lie about him and those who have circulated the lie.”
The court documents say Burke is suing for losses and damages to his reputation and that the rumours have hurt both Burke’s and Mae’s families. Gall is also seeking to have each of the 18 defendants restrained from publishing the statements on the Internet.
None of the claims have been proven in court and a statement of defence has not been filed.
With files from Canadian Press
