After accusing Tesla of unethical conduct, one car reviewer in China has been found guilty of defamation.
A car reviewer in China will have to apologise and pay compensation to Tesla after losing a lawsuit against the US electric-vehicle specialist.
The lawsuit alleged Cai Jia – known on social media platform TikTok as Boss Cai – intentionally spread false rumours about Tesla, claiming the manufacturer had pressured its suppliers to lower prices – and that its quality controllers were taking bribes – according to Car News China.
Mr Cai said the information was given to him from a friend who worked at Tesla’s Shanghai plant – but later told the court he forgot his friend’s name, and was therefore unable to call them as a witness.
While truth is a valid defence in defamation cases, Mr Cai was unable to substantiate his claims, and was accused of fabricating the stories to help promote his own business in the video posted online.
The Chinese court ruled agains Mr Cai and ordered him to pay compensation of ¥100,000 ($AU21,750) to Tesla, as well as issuing a public apology to the electric car-maker on his social media accounts – which must remain live for at least 90 days.
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