Lawyers for transgender musician Angel Maxine have formally rejected demands by legal counsel for Assin South MP John Ntim Fordjour for a retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements.

In a response issued by Merton & Everett LLP and signed by senior partner Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the legal team stated that their client would not comply with the demands made on behalf of the legislator.

According to the lawyers, Angel Maxine has already addressed the concerns raised in the demand letter through a public statement explaining the context and purpose of the videos in question.

They argued that the comments cited by the MP’s legal team were made as satire and political commentary, particularly in the course of her advocacy against the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

'I named Ntim Fordjour as my lover to expose dangers of anti-gay bill' - Angel Maxine

“We are instructed that the comments were made as satire and political commentary in the course of her advocacy against the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

“The reference to your client was not intended as a factual assertion concerning his private life, but as an illustrative device to demonstrate the danger of a proposed legal regime that encourages suspicion, reporting, and public allegation,” the statement explained.

The lawyers further maintained that their client’s remarks fall within the bounds of fair comment on a matter of public interest, stressing that the implications of the proposed legislation, which the MP has publicly supported, are open to scrutiny and criticism.

“Our client’s position is that the statements, viewed in their proper context, constitute fair comment on a matter of public interest, namely the implications of legislation sponsored and publicly supported by your client,” the statement added.

They also emphasised that as a public office holder, Rev Ntim Fordjour should expect robust public criticism regarding policies and laws he champions.

“Your client is a public officer and a sponsor of the Bill, and must expect robust scrutiny and criticism in relation to the public consequences of legislation he champions,” the lawyers noted.

The legal team categorically denied that the videos were defamatory, as alleged, and rejected claims of malice or intent to damage the MP’s reputation.

“Our client therefore denies that the videos were defamatory in the manner alleged. She further denies malice or any intention to cause unlawful injury to your client’s reputation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our client will not be issuing the retraction and apology demanded. She reserves all her rights in this matter,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Rev Ntim Fordjour had earlier issued a formal demand for a retraction and apology, accusing Angel Maxine of publishing and circulating false claims across social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

The MP’s legal counsel alleges that the posts suggested he had engaged in same-sex relations with the musician, claims they insist are defamatory and damaging to his reputation.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

A formal response has been issued by my lawyers to Hon. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour and his legal representatives.
My position has been clearly stated.

Have a colorful Trumuful day 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️❤️#killthebill #loveisourwill #queerghanaianlivesmatter #angelmaxine pic.twitter.com/4TGUI2tCGZ

— Angel Maxine 🔆 🏳‍⚧(Mother Hen) (@angelmaxinetv) April 28, 2026