In an article by The Guardian on 20 June 2023, it was reported that Carlos Ghosn, who dramatically fled Japan to Lebanon, has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against his former employer, Nissan, and related individuals.
Key details:
- Legal action: Filed in Lebanon’s Court of Cassation, Ghosn seeks compensation for “deep damages” to his finances and reputation stemming from alleged corporate misconduct and orchestrated defamation by Nissan.
- Legal claims: The lawsuit targets Nissan and approximately a dozen individuals, including board directors, accusing them of plotting to oust him and misrepresent his remuneration. He claims $588 million in lost compensation and costs, plus $500 million in punitive damages.
- Background: Ghosn was detained in Japan in November 2018 on financial misconduct charges and escaped in December 2019 hidden in a musical-equipment crate. He has lived in Lebanon since then, which has no extradition treaty with Japan.
- Scheduled hearing: A court hearing in Beirut was set for September 2023. Nissan, however, stated it had not yet received the lawsuit.
Ghosn’s perspective:
He expressed concern over persistent reputational damage:
“The serious and sensitive accusations [against me] will linger in people’s mind for years… I will suffer from them for the remainder of my life, as they have persistent and lingering impacts, even if based on mere suspicion.”
20 June 2023