THUNDER BAY – Mayor Keith Hobbs has filed a notice of libel and slander against embattled lawyer Alexander (Sandy) Zaitzeff and Heli Kijanen.
In the suit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Hobbs alleges an infamous video posted to YouTube by the defendant was done solely to impugn the mayor’s credibility, reputation and personal reputation.
The video, which the suit alleges was recorded on Oct. 25, 2016, was widely circulated on social media channels throughout the city.
Hobbs alleges Zaitzeff posted the video in retaliation for getting involved after learning Zaitzeff had been involved in an alleged sexual assault.
The suit says the defendant on Nov. 19, 2016 warned Hobbs that “he would submarine and bury him as a result of Mayor Keith Hobbs indicating he would be contacting the police with information concerning serious allegations of sexual impropriety engaged by Alexander (Sandy) Zaitzeff.”
Hobbs claims Zaitzeff sent a text to him prior to the video, alleging Hobbs would "regret the day he was born."
The mayor said the broadcast of the video was intended to bring him into disrepute and that he suffered non-pecuniary general damages, economic loss flowing from the defamation of his professional and personal reputation and other pecuniary general damages of his professional and personal reputation.
Zaitzeff was charged on Nov. 20, 2016 and he remains behind bars.
