Jury Orders Liana Shanti to Pay $40.1 Million
A Honolulu jury found Liane Wilson, known online as Liana Shanti, defamed three Canadians and awarded them US$40.1 million in damages.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes
An eight-member jury in Honolulu ordered Liane Wilson to pay Paula Haygarth and Byron and Stefanie Horvath US$40.1 million after finding she defamed them. The verdict capped a four-year legal battle that included the three Canadians' counterclaims alleging an online hate campaign.
Why it matters
The case shows how online attacks against former followers and their families can produce substantial civil liability. Hawaii, where the case was tried, is now the venue for a verdict affecting Canadians who were drawn into a community that promoted relocating to Florida.
The jury verdict is the current status, with damages of US$40.1 million awarded to Paula Haygarth, Byron Horvath and Stefanie Horvath. Shanti has said she intends to appeal, and the three Canadians have received none of the award so far.
The players
Liane Wilson (Liana Shanti)
Wilson operates online as Liana Shanti and was found by the Honolulu jury to have defamed the three Canadians.
Paula Haygarth
Haygarth is a Saskatchewan woman who won the defamation award and is the stepmother of former follower Amanda Brady.
Amanda Brady
Brady is a former follower from Regina who spent tens of thousands of dollars on Shanti's sessions and courses.
The details
The three Canadians filed counterclaims alleging an online hate campaign by Liane Wilson. Shanti reportedly attacked former followers and their relatives online, calling them demonic, Satanic and child abusers, and sent private messages to Amanda Brady claiming Paula Haygarth was doing witchcraft on her family.
Timeline
In 2022, around two dozen Canadians moved to Florida after Shanti promoted it as a safe haven.
During the Covid pandemic, Shanti reportedly warned followers that Canada was becoming dangerous.
The legal battle between Shanti and the three Canadians spanned four years before the verdict.
The Honolulu jury returned its verdict on November 6, 2026.
Legal Context
The verdict fits a broader pattern of civil defamation suits used to address online attacks by high-control group leaders against former members and their families. Cases like this one show U.S. courts allowing such claims to proceed even when the defendant and plaintiffs live in different countries.
Residents and former followers of online groups may face similar risks of targeted harassment and should document threats they receive. The verdict signals that defamation claims can be pursued against people who publicly accuse others of serious crimes online.
The takeaway
Targets of online attacks can seek civil remedies, but collecting an award may take much longer than the court case itself. Keeping records of threatening messages and public statements can support later claims.
What happens next
Shanti has said she intends to appeal the verdict, and the timing of that appeal has not been set.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Sex Crimes reporting in Hawaii.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
