Serepisos v Whale?

Sunday News reports:

RICH-lister Terry Serepisos is to seek legal advice over claims by controversial blogger Cameron “Whale Oil” Slater. Serepisos – owner of the Phoenix soccer franchise and host of The Apprentice NZ – was angered by claims made about his financial status on a Whale Oil blog posted earlier this week.

The Wellington-based businessman was in Hamilton yesterday watching his Phoenix in their pre-season game against the Brisbane Roar and wouldn’t comment.

But when asked what action Serepisos would take over the posting, the property developer’s spokesman John Mitchell said: “He [Serepisos] will take a look at things on Monday. He will talk to someone if he feels that [sueing] is the appropriate course of action.

“It [seeking action] has got to that point over a number of things. Terry does have a lawyer who looks at these sorts of things and if any action is to be taken.”

Mitchell said Serepisos had already put one media organisation “on notice” about its coverage of his financial affairs.

He said of Slater’s latest posting: “It is just a nasty, silly and spurious rumour.

“Terry is the sort of person who polarises people. There are some people who do not necessarily have it in for him but are very keen to spread these spurious rumours. It is just ridiculous.”

Mitchell said the claims made by Slater “weren’t worth responding to”.

For legal reasons, Sunday News cannot repeat the detail of Slater’s posting.

For the same reasons, please don’t repeat them here.

If Serepisos does sue for defamation, it would be a very high profile court case.