Hawaii Jury Orders Liana Shanti to Pay $56 Million in Defamation Verdict
A Hawaii jury has ordered online spiritual teacher Liane Wilson, known online as Liana Shanti, to pay US$40.1 million—equivalent to just over C$56 million—to three Canadians in a defamation lawsuit, according to CTV News. The award stands as one of the largest civil judgments in the state’s history following a four-year legal battle.
Shanti originally sued Paula Haygarth and Byron and Stefanie Horvath, all residents of Saskatchewan, accusing them of posting online statements that defamed her by calling her a fraudster and a cult leader who broke up families. The Canadians counter-sued, alleging that Shanti ran an online hate campaign that accused them of supporting pedophiles, practicing black magic, and abusing children. An eight-person jury in Hawaii rejected Shanti’s claims and ruled in favor of the Canadians.
Families targeted through online allegations
The three Canadian plaintiffs were never members of Shanti’s online community. Instead, they became targets because estranged family members were followers. Each plaintiff was associated with an ex-wife who studied under Shanti. Amanda Brady of Regina, one of those ex-wives, spent eight years following Shanti and stated that the spiritual teacher systematically turned her and her daughters against their stepmother, Paula Haygarth.
She would message me and say,
Amanda told CTV News, adding that she spent more than $750,000 on sessions and courses because Shanti positioned herself as a psychic.Oh, your energy came into my awareness today. And so I looked at it, and Paula’s doing witchcraft on your family. You’re in danger. You need to book a session with me,
Kacey Baker, a cult expert based in Liverpool, England, who produces and hosts the podcast Cult Vault, has interviewed 30 people affected by Shanti, including former followers and family members. Baker reported that followers shared deep and vulnerable personal stories with Shanti, which were then screenshotted and used as intimidation or smear material if anyone tried to leave or speak out.
Relocation during the pandemic and legal strain
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shanti warned her followers that Canada was dangerous and urged them to relocate to Florida for their children’s safety. Roughly two dozen Canadian followers moved to Florida before eventually leaving the community and returning to Canada. Following their departure, Shanti lashed out online, calling them demonic and Satanic child abusers.
Paula Haygarth stated that she felt an immense amount of relief after the verdict following years of online abuse. Her legal bills alone surpassed US$600,000, forcing her and her husband Wade to sell their house in Saskatchewan and move into a trailer. While the plaintiffs have not yet collected any of the judgment, Paula noted they are making things work and believe good things happen to good people. Shanti declined multiple interview requests from CTV News but stated in an email that she plans to appeal the decision and characterized herself as the victim of a fiction created by abusive men and child molesters.
Answers about the Hawaii civil case
Who are the plaintiffs in the Hawaii civil case?
The plaintiffs are Paula Haygarth and Byron and Stefanie Horvath, all from Saskatchewan, Canada, who were targeted online by Liana Shanti after their estranged family members joined Shanti’s online community.
What was the exact financial amount awarded by the jury?
The Hawaii jury ordered Liane Wilson, who operates as Liana Shanti online, to pay US$40.1 million, which converts to just over C$56 million, as reported by CTV News.
How much did former follower Amanda Brady spend on Shanti’s programs?
Amanda Brady, a Regina resident and former follower of eight years, stated that she spent more than $750,000 on sessions and courses with Shanti.