A former Miss Universe Canada delegate has launched a $500 million defamation and tortious interference lawsuit against real estate investor Grant Cardone and his firm Cardone Capital, claiming a coordinated social media campaign falsely accused her of serious criminal activity and severely damaged her personal and professional reputation. The case, which originated from a contentious luxury condo eviction, highlights the risks of influential figures using online platforms to target individuals.
The Origins of the Dispute
The conflict traces back to a high-end residential lease in late 2023. Chealse Sophia Howell, a former Miss Universe Canada delegate, international model, and entrepreneur based in Ontario, signed a one-year lease for a 33rd-floor unit at Regalia Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, at a monthly rent of $50,000. The property was owned by entities associated with Grant Cardone and his wife, Elena Cardone. Howell provided a $50,000 security deposit to the landlords, an additional $100,000 for the first two months’ rent, and a $5,000 deposit to the condominium association.
Tensions escalated in December 2023 when the Cardones accused Howell of damaging sprinkler heads in the unit with a heavy object, causing extensive water damage that flooded her apartment and more than 30 units below, extending down to the lobby level. The incident allegedly resulted in millions of dollars in property damage. Howell denied the accusations, stating she was asleep at the time, woke to a loud noise and water pouring from the ceiling, and had no knowledge of how the sprinklers activated. She also rejected claims that she had tampered with security cameras.
Following the incident, the condominium association banned Howell from the premises immediately. The Cardones served an eviction notice requiring her to vacate by January 3, 2024. On the day of the eviction, Elena Cardone, accompanied by a security guard, building representative, and police officers, informed Howell she had 30 minutes to collect her belongings and was no longer permitted on the property. Howell later filed a counterclaim in the eviction proceedings seeking the return of her $150,000 in total deposits.
Escalation to Public Accusations
On January 26, 2024, the same day as a reported text exchange in which Elena Cardone allegedly stated, “My husband’s gonna make you famous,” Grant Cardone posted on Facebook using old marketing photographs of Howell wearing a black ski mask, bikini top, and black sweatpants. The posts accused her of involvement in a “clandestine or illegal operation in the Middle East” and suggested her talent agency was functioning as a front for a dating service targeting Americans and Canadians for exploitation overseas. Cardone reportedly implied connections to sex crimes, including prostitution, and linked her to an unrelated individual from the Middle East or Egypt with whom she had no affiliation.
Similar statements appeared across Cardone’s platforms, including LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, reaching his audience of more than 10 million followers. The posts allegedly sought information about Howell’s phone number, current location, and personal relationships, with offers of rewards for details leading to her whereabouts. The lawsuit claims Cardone knew the ski mask images were outdated promotional material but used them intentionally to mislead followers and portray Howell in a criminal light.
Legal Claims and Damages Sought
Howell filed her civil complaint in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, on December 11, 2025 (Case No. 25-024299-CA-01). The suit names Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC, as defendants and asserts multiple causes of action:
Defamation per se
Defamation per quod
Defamation by implication
Tortious interference with advantageous business relationships
Tortious interference with contractual relations
The complaint alleges the statements were made with actual malice—either knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for the truth—and were amplified through Cardone’s extensive social media presence and Cardone Capital’s marketing channels. Howell claims the posts caused irreparable harm, including loss of endorsement deals, professional contracts, business opportunities, severe emotional distress, and safety concerns due to harassment from Cardone’s followers, some of whom posted her residence and personal information online.
She is seeking $500 million in compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief to halt further alleged defamatory conduct, attorneys’ fees, costs, and has demanded a jury trial.
Timeline of Key Events
Cardone’s Position
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2023 | Howell signs one-year lease for Regalia Residences unit at $50,000/month |
| December 2023 | Sprinkler incident leads to flooding; condo association bans Howell |
| January 3, 2024 | Eviction deadline; Howell required to vacate premises |
| January 26, 2024 | Cardone posts on Facebook and other platforms with accusations and old photos |
| December 11, 2025 | Defamation lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court |
| January 2026 | Press coverage and public statements emerge |
Grant Cardone has publicly dismissed the lawsuit as an attempt to deflect from the underlying property damage claims. In a January 2026 social media post, he described the suit as a $500 million claim stemming from what he called indefensible behavior and property destruction. He portrayed himself as a frequent target due to his visibility in business and real estate.
Potential Implications for Cardone Capital
Cardone Capital, the real estate investment firm founded by Grant Cardone, manages more than $5 billion in multifamily assets through syndication and crowdfunding platforms, attracting retail investors with promises of passive income and high returns. As a prominent figure in the alternative investment space, Cardone has built a brand around aggressive marketing, motivational content, and direct engagement with followers.
A prolonged, high-profile defamation case could introduce reputational risks to the firm, particularly among investors who rely on Cardone’s personal credibility. While the lawsuit focuses on personal statements rather than direct business operations, any negative publicity surrounding allegations of malicious conduct may prompt scrutiny of the firm’s governance, marketing practices, and leadership’s use of social media. The real estate syndication sector already faces regulatory attention, and cases involving public figures can influence investor confidence and capital flows.
Broader Context in Digital Defamation
This dispute underscores the growing legal challenges surrounding social media defamation, where statements from influential accounts can reach millions instantly. Courts increasingly examine whether public figures’ online activity crosses into actionable harm, particularly when amplified for business or personal gain. The $500 million demand reflects the scale of alleged damages in an era where reputation and online presence directly impact professional viability.
Disclaimer This is a news report based on public court filings and statements. All allegations remain unproven and are subject to judicial determination. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice.