By Mark DaCosta- Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has pledged to enforce a hefty $37 million judgement against social media figure Melissa “Melly Mell” Atwell, marking a significant chapter in a highly publicised defamation case. Nandlall’s bold announcement comes after a High Court ruling in his favour, which he intends to have upheld in the United States, where Atwell currently resides.
The controversy traces its roots back to November 2024, when Atwell unleashed a series of posts on her social media platforms, alleging misconduct on the part of Nandlall. These claims were categorically denied by the Attorney General, who asserted that Atwell had failed to substantiate her allegations. “I don’t know this individual and she doesn’t know me,” Nandlall noted, emphasising the unfounded nature of Atwell’s accusations. The Attorney General’s legal action commenced shortly after these publications, and he wasted no time in asserting his rights in a court of law.
On November 22, 2024, Nandlall formally filed a lawsuit against Atwell, claiming in excess of $100 million in damages for the alleged libel. This action not only invoked a legal response but also sought to reassert the integrity of public figures, Nandlall claimed. According to court proceedings, at least nine defamatory posts were specifically cited in the lawsuit, with claims suggesting that Nandlall was unfit for his roles as Attorney General, Member of Parliament, and a member of the local bar. Particularly incendiary was Atwell’s insinuation that Nandlall had leaked confidential political information to her — a charge he has roundly denied.
As the legal battle unfolded, Atwell’s posture appeared uninhibited. Her public statements suggested she believed her residence outside of our country would shield her from the court action. The Attorney General retorted by clarifying that “the law must never be allowed to appear incapable or impotent to address illegality.” He asserted that Atwell would soon learn that legal accountability could extend beyond geographical boundaries. Although she claimed that the judgement held no value for her being abroad, Nandlall’s resolve was underscored. “This judgment will be enforced against any money or property she has… even if we have to get one dollar per day, they’re going to get it,” he recently asserted.
The Attorney General further highlighted the case’s broader implications, cautioning others who might believe they can escape legal repercussions for defamation simply by residing in foreign climes. “This must be a learning experience for all of us who believe that we can be in a foreign country and libel people as we wish,” he remarked.
Following Atwell’s apparent disregard for the legal proceedings, a default judgement was granted to Nandlall by the Guyana High Court in August 2025, as Atwell did not respond to the lawsuit.
Moreover, Atwell’s legal troubles have not ended with the defamation case. In a related development, she was reportedly taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in March due to alleged immigration violations, sparking significant public discussion in our nation about the political implications of her arrest. Reports circulated suggesting that her detention may have been connected to the ongoing defamation lawsuit, though Nandlall has categorically denied any involvement from the Guyanese government. “It is purely a U.S. immigration matter,” he maintained, insisting that the legal pathway in his defamation case would persist irregardless of Atwell’s immigration status.
As Nandlall’s legal team prepares to have the judgement registered in the U.S., the Attorney General remains resolute in his intention to seek redress for the defamation that he claims has caused him irreparable damage. It must be noted that Atwell’s supporters remain firmly in her corner.
