A legal battle has erupted in Santa Clara County, where a prominent local business owner is accusing an individual of defamation and economic sabotage. On December 24, 2024, Nee Nga Lau and China Wok Chinese Cuisine, LLC filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California against Mingjie Jiang. The plaintiffs allege that Jiang's actions have severely damaged their reputations and business prospects.
According to the complaint, Plaintiff Nee Nga Lau, a resident of Contra Costa County, and China Wok Chinese Cuisine, LLC, which operates the Mandarin Restaurant in Menlo Park, have been subjected to a series of defamatory statements by Defendant Mingjie Jiang. These statements were allegedly disseminated through popular social media platforms such as WeChat and Xiaohongshu from November 20, 2024, leading up to the filing date. The lawsuit claims that Jiang falsely accused Lau of operating Ponzi schemes and engaging in criminal activities like extortion and fraud. Additionally, Jiang reportedly targeted China Wok with false allegations about financial disputes involving its co-owner.
The plaintiffs argue that these statements were not only false but also maliciously intended to tarnish their reputations within the Bay Area Chinese community. They claim that the defamatory remarks reached tens of thousands of people online, many of whom are familiar with Lau and his restaurant. "The statements were promulgated with the purpose of damaging Plaintiff's Lau character and reputation," reads the complaint. As a result, both Lau and China Wok assert they have suffered significant harm to their reputations.
In addition to defamation per se, the plaintiffs accuse Jiang of intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. They argue that their longstanding success in the food and beverage industry was built on trust and collaboration with investors and partners. However, they claim that Jiang's actions have jeopardized these relationships by portraying them as untrustworthy individuals involved in fraudulent activities. This alleged interference has reportedly led potential investors to withdraw from deals with the Mandarin Restaurant.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court. They demand general damages amounting to no less than $500,000 for harm caused to their reputations. Furthermore, they seek special damages also totaling at least $500,000 for injuries sustained to their business interests. In addition to monetary compensation, they request punitive damages as well as temporary restraining orders and injunctions against Jiang to prevent further dissemination of false information or harassment.
Representing Nee Nga Lau and China Wok Chinese Cuisine is attorney William P. Klein from Klein Law Group P.C., based in San Francisco. The case is presided over by Judge A. Hernandez under Case ID 24CV454922.