Bajan businessman sues Meta

Barbadian Charles Charlie Spice Lewis and his US-registered digital company Spice Holdings have filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., seeking US$50 million in compensatory damages.

Lewis, represented by Inn Chambers in Barbados, claims the tech giant—owner of Facebook and WhatsApp—abruptly suspended and deleted several of Spice Holdings’ key business accounts, causing major disruption to global operations.

The affected accounts were tied to InstaJobs Live (InstaJobs.Live), a real-time livestream platform connecting job seekers with employers and recruiters.

“This action by Meta has also affected other platforms owned by Spice Holdings — InnPos.com and KotoExchange.com,” the businessman added.

The lawsuit accuses Meta of tortious interference with prospective economic advantage, breach of implied contract and good faith, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and negligent infliction of economic and reputational harm.

“Meta’s actions have caused severe disruption to a lawful enterprise, resulting in serious financial loss, reputational damage, and emotional distress,” said M. Adrian King KC, lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

“Our clients’ commercial success and credibility were tied to their presence on Meta platforms, which were taken down without cause, warning, or due process.”

Lewis said multiple appeals to Meta were unsuccessful, and there has been no explanation or reinstatement.

A legal notice dated July 1, 2025, gives Meta 14 days to respond in writing. If no engagement occurs, Lewis said legal proceedings will move forward in a US federal court or another competent jurisdiction. (EJ)