Rumble, Rebel News sue Canadian government over alleged free speech violations

Filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the lawsuit says officials tried to block the events—called “Rumble Live” and “Rebel News Live”—because they did not agree with the political opinions of the speakers and guests. One of the featured speakers was Donald Trump Jr.

The two events were held on May 10 and 11, 2024, at a private venue in North York, Ontario. Rumble and Rebel News claim that the government forced them to pay high fees for unnecessary security, in an effort to stop the events from happening. The lawsuit says the police had already told officials there was no sign of any planned protests or threats, yet they still demanded the extra charges.

“If it happens on or near our property, we might attract an undesirable crowd,” wrote one official in an email, according to the complaint.

“I am wondering if you think there is any language within the lease agreement that would permit us to stop this event from happening,” another official asked in an internal message.

Both events went ahead without any incidents.

“The Defendants knew that there was no way for them to lawfully prevent the Event from proceeding,” the lawsuit states. “Nonetheless, they sought to, and did, interfere with the contractual relationship between Rebel News and the [venue], successfully pressuring the venue to impose the Unwarranted Costs on the Plaintiffs, contrary to the Agreement.”

The venue agreement said the event could not be canceled over political views or public backlash. It stated: “The [venue] Agrees to: uphold free speech principles and contractual obligations, irrespective of the event’s content or the public’s reaction to such content.”

MP Ya’ara Saks posted on social media on May 10, 2024, that she opposed the event for political reasons. “My conservative opponent, Roman Baber, has been platformed by and interacted with Rebel News at every opportunity,” she wrote. “Rebel News is clearly supporting Roman Baber.”

This isn’t the first time Rebel News and Ezra Levant have had issues with the government. In 2023, they said they were blocked from viewing official government accounts on X (formerly Twitter). A judge later ordered those accounts to unblock them.

In this latest case, the plaintiffs are asking for $37,177.80 to cover the extra security costs, $250,000 in punitive damages, and their legal expenses. They request the trial to take place in Toronto.

The lawsuit names MP Saks, people at Canada Lands Company Limited (which operates Downsview Park, where the venue is located), and a CN Tower security representative.