What is happening in the Terry Xu defamation case now?

Singapore’s High Court is assessing how much to award in damages after a 2025 default judgment fixed liability. The court will consider the online reach of the statements, persistence, and post-suit conduct when deciding general and aggravated damages. Awards will be quantified in SGD and may influence future online defamation cases.

How do courts calculate damages in Singapore defamation suits?

Courts look at seriousness of the allegation, extent of publication, credibility loss, and any aggravating conduct. Online factors include reach, republication risk, and speed of takedown or apology. If behavior after suit worsens harm, aggravated damages can rise. Evidence logs and prompt corrections can help reduce exposure.

Why does the Good Class Bungalow article matter here?

The ministers’ claims arise from a Good Class Bungalow article, which the court views within its online context. Digital distribution, engagement, and persistence inform both the scale of harm and any aggravated damages. The piece’s reach and any later reposts may be central to how the court prices reputational injury.

What should investors and operators watch next?

Watch the court’s reasoning on online reach, persistence, and post-suit conduct in the damages decision. Track policy changes by local publishers and platforms, including time-to-takedown standards, apology templates, and audit trails. Also monitor the related April 2026 Bloomberg trial for signals of a consistent approach to digital defamation.

Law and Government

Singapore Court Weighs Damages in Terry Xu Defamation — February 28

ByDanny Kontos February 28, 2026February 28, 2026

The Terry Xu defamation case moved into the damages phase on 28 February, focusing on how Singapore’s High Court will price injury to reputation in the digital age. After a 2025 default judgment, ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng are asking for substantial and aggravated awards linked to online reach and post-suit conduct. For investors, the outcome could shape liability, compliance budgets, and risk pricing for media outlets and platforms that operate in Singapore. We explain what the court is weighing and what to watch next.