State Senate candidate Bowen Kou files ‘defamation’ lawsuits over mailer, article

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Senate candidate Bowen Kou has filed two unrelated lawsuits over a mailer and article in Lake County Court.

The first complaint was filed against the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Ben Albritton, in his capacity as Chairman of the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The complaint alleges the defendants “published and sent a false and defamatory mass political mail letter” to voters “communicating that Plaintiff Bowen Kou is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) and takes money from China.”

“The mailer is false and defames Plaintiff by misleading voters into believing that Mr. Kou has received political donations from China. Plaintiff Bowen Kou has never received political donations from China, Chinese citizens, or members of the Chinese Communist Party,” the complaint stated.

A second complaint was filed against Steve Crim and Florida’s Voice alleging “defamation.”

Steve Crim, Founder of Common Sense America, previously spoke with Florida’s Voice about a letter he sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Kou plans to hold a press conference Tuesday to “clear the air,” according to a Facebook event.

“I Filed Defamation Lawsuit Against Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee and Florida Voice Over Race-Based Attack,” the event description said.

“COME TO STAND BY BOWEN. SAY NO TO HATERISM,” the post said.