Model Sues Grant Cardone for $500M in Social Media Defamation Case

MIAMI, FL – January 16, 2026 – A legal battle with half a billion dollars at stake is unfolding in Florida, pitting a former beauty queen and entrepreneur against a real estate mogul and social media firebrand. Chealse Sophia Howell, a former Miss Universe Canada delegate, has filed a staggering $500 million lawsuit against Grant Cardone and his firm, Cardone Capital, LLC, alleging a malicious and coordinated defamation campaign that included false accusations of human trafficking.

The civil complaint, filed on December 11, 2025, in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court for Miami-Dade County, claims that Cardone used his colossal social media influence to publish and amplify devastatingly false statements about Howell. The suit alleges this digital assault caused irreparable harm to her reputation, career, and personal safety, prompting a high-stakes legal showdown that underscores the growing power and peril of online influence.

The Heart of the Allegations

According to the court filing, the lawsuit centers on what Ms. Howell’s legal team describes as a “coordinated campaign to publish and disseminate false and damaging statements” across major social media platforms, including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook. The complaint asserts that these statements, allegedly promoted by Cardone, falsely accused Ms. Howell of being involved in heinous criminal activities, most notably human trafficking in the Middle East—allegations she vehemently denies.

The suit contends that these accusations were not isolated remarks but were amplified to millions of viewers through the defendants' vast marketing and social media empire. Ms. Howell, an international model and founder of a talent agency and a beauty product company, claims this conduct has had catastrophic consequences. The complaint details a significant loss of business opportunities, severed endorsement relationships, and canceled professional contracts. Beyond the financial impact, the filing describes severe emotional distress and growing concerns for her personal well-being and safety.

The lawsuit asserts that the alleged conduct was not accidental but was “intentional, malicious, and designed to intimidate and damage Ms. Howell personally and professionally.” Her complaint lists multiple causes of action, including defamation per se, defamation per quod, defamation by implication, and tortious interference with both advantageous business relationships and existing contractual relations. In addition to the $500 million in compensatory and punitive damages, Howell is seeking injunctive relief to halt any further defamatory conduct from Cardone and his company, as well as coverage of attorneys' fees and court costs. She has demanded a trial by jury.

“This case is about the real-world consequences of digital defamation through social media,” said Ms. Howell’s Miami-based attorney, Douglas J. Jeffrey, in a statement. “When an individual with significant public influence uses social media in a manner that causes harm, the law provides a clear path for recourse. We intend to vindicate Ms. Howell's good name and reputation to ensure that the truth is the final word in this matter.”

A Clash of Public Figures

The case represents a dramatic clash between two prominent public figures whose careers are intrinsically tied to their public image. Chealse Sophia Howell has built a multifaceted career beyond her pageant titles, establishing herself as an entrepreneur with her talent firm, Haute Agency, and beauty line, Shop Sophia. Her work as a model has connected her with global brands and publications, making her reputation a critical professional asset.

On the other side is Grant Cardone, a larger-than-life personality known for his aggressive business philosophy and massive real estate portfolio managed through Cardone Capital. With millions of followers across social media, he has cultivated a brand synonymous with wealth creation and the “10X” mindset. His influence extends far beyond real estate, making him a powerful voice in business and motivational circles. It is this immense reach, the lawsuit argues, that made the alleged defamatory statements so uniquely damaging.

Because both parties are considered public figures, the legal road ahead for Ms. Howell is particularly challenging. It is this dynamic that moves the case beyond a simple dispute and into a high-profile examination of reputational warfare in the digital age.

The Legal Gauntlet in the Digital Age

For Ms. Howell to succeed, her legal team must navigate the complex terrain of Florida’s defamation laws, which set a high bar for public figures. The central requirement will be to prove “actual malice”—a legal standard meaning she must demonstrate that Cardone either knew the statements were false when he made them or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Mere negligence is not enough.

However, the complaint strategically includes a claim of defamation per se. Under Florida law, certain categories of false statements are considered so inherently damaging that harm to the plaintiff's reputation is presumed, without need for specific proof of damages. Accusations of involvement in a serious crime, such as human trafficking, or statements alleging conduct incompatible with one’s profession, typically fall into this category. If the court agrees the statements constitute defamation per se, it could significantly strengthen Howell's position.

Furthermore, the lawsuit includes claims of tortious interference. This alleges that Cardone’s actions were specifically intended to disrupt Howell's existing business contracts and future opportunities. To prove this, her attorneys will need to show that a business relationship existed, the defendants knew about it, and they intentionally and unjustly interfered, causing financial harm.

The case arrives as courts and legislatures across the country grapple with the legal ramifications of online speech. While social media platforms themselves are largely shielded from liability for user content by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the individuals who create and post the content are not. As of this report, neither Grant Cardone nor representatives for Cardone Capital have issued a public statement in response to the lawsuit. The outcome of this case will be watched closely, as it could set a powerful precedent for the accountability of influencers and the tangible cost of digital defamation.