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I will not be muzzled, nor bow to threats
Hear Me Out
By Rawle Toney
Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – As a journalist with over two decades of reporting in the field of sports, I have written thousands of articles, many of them thought-provoking, difficult, and uncomfortable. But never before, in my career, have I been served with a legal threat, until now.
Yesterday I received a Cease-and-Desist letter from Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, on behalf of his client (name given), an international cricketer, in reference to my June 26, 2025 article titled “Monster in Maroon,” published in Kaieteur News.
The article spoke about a series of sexual assault allegations against the acclaimed Guyanese and West Indies cricketer.
The letter alleges defamation, seeks to suppress further publication, and threatens legal action if I do not comply with their demands.
Let me state this clearly, and for the record, that I will not be muzzled.
The article in question did not identify Mr Todd’s client directly or indirectly. No name was called, no description given that would even remotely allow a reasonable reader to link the story to any specific individual.
The narrative was framed to confront a broader, deeply troubling issue plaguing sport and society alike, not to vilify any person.
The legal doctrine of defamation requires that a statement be both false and specifically damaging to a clearly identifiable individual. In this case, neither standard has been met.
If someone chooses to draw conclusions or falsely attribute implications where none were made, that responsibility lies solely with them, not with the journalist or the platform of publication.
Furthermore, I am not responsible for how third parties share, perceive, interpret, or sensationalize an article.
The reshares, reactions, or derivative content created by other media houses or social media pages are outside my control and legal responsibility.
In journalism, there exists a sacred duty, which is to the truth, to the public, and to the integrity of our democracy. Freedom of the press is enshrined not just as a principle, but as a constitutional right.
It is not to be bent, suppressed, or intimidated by legal threats aimed at silencing voices that speak inconvenient truths.
It is ironic that in a time when the world calls for accountability, transparency, and justice in all sectors, including sport, this response has instead been one of aggression, not introspection.
Journalism must never become the scapegoat for reputational discomfort when larger societal issues are at play.
To Mr. Todd and his client, I understand your duty to protect reputation, but I have a duty as well, to the people, to journalism, and to the truth. I will not shrink from that responsibility.
The press must remain free, fearless, and firm in the face of threats.
And as for me, I will continue to write. I will continue to question. I will not be silenced.
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