In a loud case that has been of interest to the public for many months, the Warsaw District Court issued a judgment in favour of actress and celebrity Natalia Janoszek. The court ordered Krzysztof Stanowski and the Sports Channel to remove a controversial documentary from 2023, in which journalist accused Janoszek of falsifying his acting career. Additionally, Stanowski and the sports channel must pay financial compensation.
Background
The conflict between Natalia Janoszek and Krzysztof Stanowski broke out in 2023 when an investigative film entitled "BOLLYWOODZKI ZERO: NATALIA JANOSZEK was released on the Sports Channel. THE END". In Stanowski's material he accused Janoszek that her achievements in Bollywood and international film career are largely fiction, based on manipulations and paid promotional articles. The film quickly became a viral, gaining millions of views and causing a stormy discussion on social media.
Janoszek, a Bielsko-White actress who claims to have played in several Indian productions, felt defamed. In response, she sued Stanowski and the Sports Channel, demanding removal of material and compensation for personal property violation. The case continued for more than two years, with numerous twists of action, including preliminary provisions of the court of security which ordered the temporary removal of the film.
In April 2024, the court imposed a fine of PLN 15 thousand on Stanowski for not complying with the earlier ban on publication. This resolution was then widely commented on in the media, and some portals announced it as "the Janoszek victory". However, Stanowski himself stressed that it was only a procedural penalty, not a substantive settlement.
Details of the judgment
In the latest ruling of the court of first instance, recently announced, the judges considered Janoszek's arguments to be valid. The court found that the film contained elements affecting her good name and reputation, without sufficient evidence for all the allegations made. Consequently, it was ordered:
- Instant removal of the video from YouTube and other distribution channels.
- Payment of compensation of PLN 20 thousand.
- Public apology from Stanowski and the Sports Channel.
The judgment is not yet final and the parties have the right to appeal. Krzysztof Stanowski announced that he would consider an appeal, arguing that his material was based on reliable journalism research.
Reactions of parties and public opinion
Natalia Janoszek does not hide the satisfaction of the sentence. On social media, she shared a fragment of an article with information about winning the case.
Krzysztof Stanowski, in his commentary on platform X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, stated that the sentence is "surprising" and disagrees with its content. "We will continue to fight. The truth will always come out," he wrote. A journalist, known for his controversial investigative material, does not rule out the continuation of the subject in another form.
Public opinion is divided. On social media such as X, there are both voices of support for Janoszek and criticism of the court. Users indicate that the case shows the limits of freedom of speech in investigative journalism. Some commentators, such as Wprost, emphasize that this is not a full victory, but only a stage in a long process.
What's next?
The Janoszek vs Stanowski case may become a precedent for similar conflicts between celebrities and media. In the social media era, where accusations spread rapidly, the verdict reminds of the responsibility for published content. Both sides are announcing a further fight, which means that the topic is not yet closed.
Natalia Janoszek, despite controversy, continues his career and Krzysztof Stanowski remains one of the most influential journalists in Poland. Time will show how this sentence will affect their further fates.
Source: Virtual Media
