Deadline Looms For Wayne Wonder And Wife To Retract Defamatory Claims Against Buju Banton

Today, March 25, 2026, marks the deadline set by Buju Banton and his legal team for fellow entertainer and former friend Wayne Wonder and his wife to retract the alleged defamatory statements posted on social media and issue a public apology.

The couple, Von Wayne Charles and Jacqueline Charles also known as Jackie, were reportedly served last Friday and given five days to respond.

The dispute, which has since gone viral, stems from Buju’s interview with Queenz Flip where he answered questions about a “30 year disagreement” which centers around songwriting credits for the 1993 single “Murderer.”

Banton addressed his strained relationship with Wayne Wonder, describing friendship as fragile and often painful. “No situation is ever permanent… No one was meant to be in your life permanent,” he said, adding, “You never born with your friend… you born alone.” He further stated reciprocity is important to maintain friendships—“You hold on to who hold on to you”—and reflected, “Friendship cost me nuff pain… some a them come and get greedy… the top is lonely,” while noting few people supported him during his time in prison.

In response, a series of Instagram posts attributed to someone speaking on Wonder’s behalf strongly pushed back, opening with: “Wayne is far too humble and decent to address this clown, so I’m doing it for him.” The statement disputed Banton’s claims about prison support—“You also said Wayne never checked on you… Let’s tell the truth… Wayne came to see you… several times… almost every morning”—and alleged the distance was Banton’s choice: “You were the one who said you didn’t want him visiting…” It also raised longstanding issues over songwriting credits, claiming “Wayne, Frankie, and you… wrote ‘Murderer’… [but] Wayne’s name had been removed,” and that “for over 30 years” royalties were collected without his knowledge, alongside similar concerns about other songs.

Banton then went on an IG Live and without calling any names lashed out against a woman and his “brother” who cannot control his woman and saying he will released her “file.”

Subsequently the voice of Jacqueline Charles was heard in an audio clip posted on her husband’s social media page, in which several damaging allegations were made mention Buju Banton’s full name Mark Anthony Myrie. The audio was later reposted by several entertainment websites, further amplifying the controversy.

Banton’s management and legal team headed by Attorney Rita Allen-Brown released a statement on Monday rejected the claims, describing them as false and defamatory.

“The statements in question falsely allege the commission of serious criminal acts. These allegations are entirely untrue, without factual basis, and have caused significant reputational harm to our client both in Jamaica and internationally,” the statement said.

A formal legal notice has been issued demanding the immediate removal of all defamatory content, along with a full and unequivocal retraction and public apology.

The statement also noted that the continued circulation of the allegations across multiple digital platforms is being actively monitored.

“Our client reserves all rights and will pursue all available legal remedies against any individual or entity involved in the publication or further dissemination of these defamatory claims,” it added.

Banton’s longstanding legacy is also highlighted:

“Buju Banton has built a global reputation over decades through his music, cultural impact, and advocacy. These false allegations stand in stark contrast to that legacy and will be addressed with the required gravity.”

Buju Banton is expected to release his 14th studio album in the coming weeks via VP Records.