Reggae icon Buju Banton has escalated a heated social media fallout into a potentially full-blown legal battle, issuing a stern ultimatum to fellow entertainer Wayne Wonder and his wife over alleged defamatory claims tied to the classic track “Murderer.” The Grammy-winning artist, born Mark Myrie, is demanding an immediate retraction and public apology by Wednesday, signalling his intent to pursue legal action if the matter is not resolved.
The dispute, which erupted online last week, centres on songwriting credit for “Murderer” and quickly spiralled after an audio recording—featuring Wayne Wonder’s wife—surfaced on social media containing what Buju’s team describes as damaging allegations. The clip was subsequently amplified by a local entertainment platform, fuelling widespread debate across digital spaces. In response, Banton’s legal and management teams have firmly rejected the claims, branding them “false and defamatory” with serious implications for his reputation both locally and internationally.
In a strongly worded statement, his representatives confirmed that formal legal notice has already been served to the parties involved, mandating the immediate removal of the content alongside a “full and unequivocal” apology. “The statements falsely allege the commission of serious criminal acts,” the statement read, emphasising that the claims are entirely without merit. The team also noted that the continued spread of the allegations across multiple platforms is being closely monitored, with all avenues for legal recourse firmly on the table.
Represented by attorney Rita Allen-Brown, Banton is making it clear that his decades-long legacy in reggae and cultural advocacy will not be undermined. As the deadline looms, the situation now shifts from online controversy to a potentially precedent-setting defamation case—one that could have far-reaching implications for accountability in Jamaica’s digital entertainment space.
View this post on Instagram
