The case is pitting Gold Reef City casino against the award winning M-Net investigative magazine show that's turning 22 years old next month. Also interesting to note is that M-Net and Gold Reef City casino used to have a seemingly good relationship – more than one season of the hit reality show Idols was filmed there, most notably the theatre rounds.
In a defamation case now before the South Gauteng High Court, Gold Reef City is claiming R43,1 million from M-Net and Carte Blanche for loss suffered by the amusement park, a further R3,6 million for loss suffered by the casino and a further R200 000 for general damages. Gold Reef City claims that statements made in the Carte Blanche insert were defamatory as they meant that the rides were not safe. Gold Reef City casino claim is for economic loss suffered after the Carte Blanche insert was broadcast on M-Net.
M-Net says Gold Reef City casino can't sue for reputational harm but Gold Reef City claims the Carte Blanche story infringed its reputation wrongfully and intentionally. M-Net claims that it did not say that the rides were unsafe but that there was reason for concern regarding amusement park ride safety. Currently there is no law in South Africa that regulates amusement park ride safety.
