Veteran Nollywood actress Rita Edochie has fired a blistering response to the N1 billion defamation lawsuit filed against her by Judy Austin, declaring that the younger actress will be the first to face the full weight of karma and challenging her to appear in court on August 29.
Judy Austin, who is married to actor Yul Edochie, initiated the legal action at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. She is seeking N1 billion in general damages, a full public apology and retraction in national newspapers and on social media, removal of alleged defamatory posts, a perpetual injunction, and additional costs. The suit stems from a series of public criticisms Rita has made about Judy’s relationship with Yul.
In a strongly worded Instagram post and accompanying video, Rita refused to back down.
“I AM THE MOTHER THAT MOTHERED THEIR MOTHER!! DRAMA DEVIL. ARE YOU WITH SOMEONE’S HUSBAND? THE ANSWER IS YES!!!” she wrote.
She continued:
“They said you’re not the first person to take another woman’s husband and try putting her home in shambles and chaos. While I agree to this, I still need to say that you will be the first to face the full repercussions. You will be the first to contend with karma.”
Rita further claimed that Judy had previously been sued for bigamy but had avoided appearing in court.
“The last time I checked you were sued for bigamy, you have not appeared in court for one day just because you have been afraid to come out. Now you decided to bring your filthy legs out. PLEASE LET’S SEE IN COURT ON THE 29TH. I’M DOWN FOR THIS GAME BECAUSE I AM STILL THE FEAR THAT FEAR FEARS!!!” she declared.
The veteran actress also dismissed online critics supporting Judy, stating that they represent only a tiny fraction of public opinion and that “evil has an expiry date.” She insisted she remains unmoved by trolls and will not rest until she gets to the root of the matter.
This is the latest exchange is the long-running public feud. Rita, who is related to Yul Edochie, has repeatedly accused Judy of disrupting the family by entering a relationship with the actor while he was still married to his first wife, May Edochie. Judy has maintained her side of the story and previously taken legal steps against other critics, including her ex-husband.
Read Judy Austin Sues Rita Edochie, Ex-Husband Obasi, Demands ₦1B Each