Cyberbullying Case Reopens; Chester Denies Any Behind-the-Scenes Push

A once-dismissed cyberbullying case is back in court and turning heads again. Prosecutors this week revived the matter involving C.E.O. Chester Williams, prompting new questions about whether influence from high office played a role. The charge against Nichole McDonald had previously been thrown out, a decision Williams publicly criticized at the time. Now, with the case back on the docket, we asked him directly: did he have anything to do with it? Williams says no. He told us he had all but forgotten about the case and insists he was just as surprised by its revival as he was by its dismissal. Still, the sudden turnaround is fueling speculation, and putting the spotlight right back on a case many thought was already closed.

 

Chester Williams, Victim of Cyberbullying

“Couple months ago, I noted that the matter against her was withdrawn in the courts. Of course, yes, as an aggrieved person I was concerned that it was withdrawn without me being notified. I was not summoned to appear in court. But despite that I kept that to myself. I did not go to anybody or ask why. I just left it as that. And I had basically forgotten about that case and so when I saw that she was rearrested the other day I was a bit surprised. And I noticed she gave an interview and blamed me and this that, and a whole pile ah thing. But I must say that I had no discussion with anybody. The prosecution saw it fit in their wisdom to reinstate the charges. That is within their purview, and so I just wait and see how it goes from there. If I were to be summoned to go to court, I would have gone to court, but I was not summoned to go to court.”

 

Shane Williams

“And would you like to see her punished and convicted for what she did?”

 

 Chester Williams

“It’s not about being, seeing her punished or convicted. Justice simply means that the person who is accused of committing a crime goes through the system, the court system. And whatever the court decides, at the end of the day, I’m okay with it. I do trust the justice system. The law is there and while I know that some had criticized me for using it, the law is there for all to use. And the truth is if a person were to post something about you on social media that is false or is posted with intent to ridicule you or to cause you embarrassment, that fall within the limits of the law. And you can go to the police and report to police and that person can be arrested.”

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: