Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 3, 2026) - Chealse Sophia Howell, former Miss Canada titleholder, Miss Universe Canada delegate, international model, and entrepreneur, has filed a civil lawsuit according to court filings, in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida, alleging defamation and tortious interference against Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC.

Chealse Sophia Howell is a former Miss Canada titleholder, international model, and entrepreneur known for her presence on global runways, red carpets, and in leading fashion publications. She founded Toronto-based Haute Agency in 2014 and later launched the beauty brand Sophia.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12164/281993_chealse_sophia_howell.jpg

Ms. Howell alleges Grant Cardone engaged in a coordinated campaign to publish false and damaging statements about her across social media platforms. The lawsuit claims these statements falsely accused Ms. Howell of criminal conduct, including human trafficking in the Middle East, allegations she denies.

The complaint further alleges the statements were amplified to millions of viewers through the defendants' substantial social media reach and marketing platforms, allegedly resulting in significant and irreparable harm to Ms. Howell's personal and professional reputation. Ms. Howell claims that the alleged conduct caused the loss of business opportunities, endorsement relationships, professional contracts, as well as severe emotional distress and concerns for her personal safety and well-being.

According to the filing, Mr. Cardone's alleged conduct was intentional, malicious, designed to intimidate, damage Ms. Howell personally and professionally.

Ms. Howell's complaint asserts multiple causes of action, including defamation per se, defamation per quod, defamation by implication, tortious interference with advantageous business relationships, and tortious interference with contractual relations. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages totaling $500 million, along with injunctive relief to prevent further alleged defamatory conduct, attorneys' fees, and costs. Ms. Howell has also demanded a jury trial.

"This case is about the real-world consequences of digital defamation through social media," said Ms. Howell's Miami attorney, Douglas J. Jeffrey. "When an individual with significant public influence uses social media in a manner that causes harm, the law provides a clear path for recourse. We intend to vindicate Ms. Howell's good name and reputation to ensure that the truth is the final word in this matter."

Chealse Sophia Howell v. Grant Cardone and Cardone Capital, LLC,
Miami-Dade County Case No. 25-024299-CA-01
Filing Date December 11, 2025
https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/civil-court.page

This press release contains allegations from a civil complaint. All claims remain allegations, and no findings of fact have been made by the court.

About Chealse Sophia Howell founded a talent agency and a beauty product company. She has worked with global brands and publications throughout her career.
https://www.hauteagency.net/
https://www.instagram.com/hauteagency?igsh=N255OXhhcGN5NG9l
http://www.shop-sophia.net
https://www.instagram.com/shop.sophia?igsh=bjQ3bHVrZnB2MnZh

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281993