Businessman Alex Tsakumis files legal response denying defamation of Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, citing public interest concerns over alleged conduct.
Legal Battle Heats Up Between Mayor Sim and Local Businessman
The legal dispute surrounding Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim intensified this week as local businessman Alex G. Tsakumis formally filed a response to Sim’s defamation lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court.
Allegations Sparked by Social Media and Private Claims
In May 2025, Mayor Sim filed a defamation suit alleging that his former chief of staff, Kareem Allam, and Tsakumis made damaging statements about him. The claim focuses on two private conversations from 2023 and 2024, and a series of public posts on X (formerly Twitter), which Sim says falsely accused him of drunk driving and being let off by police without consequence.
Defense Cites Public Interest and Denies Defamation
In a response filed Monday, Tsakumis argued that his posts were not defamatory and were made in the context of public interest involving an elected official. The response acknowledges a police review occurred but denies that the plaintiff accurately described its findings. He further contends that no reputational harm was caused and has asked the court to dismiss the claims.
Background on Police Misconduct Review
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner previously investigated claims that Vancouver Police officers had pulled over Sim and failed to take action due to his position. That review concluded the allegations of misconduct were “baseless,” though no further disciplinary steps were taken.
Detailed Claims of Alcohol Use at Public Events
In his legal response, Tsakumis lists several instances from 2018 to 2024 where he alleges Sim consumed alcohol at public and political events. These include a 2018 NPA nomination meeting, a 2020 B.C. Liberal dinner, multiple community events in 2023 such as Greek Days and Khatsahlano, and private functions attended during Sim’s tenure as both candidate and mayor.
Additional Claims Involving Sim’s Inner Circle
The response also includes an allegation that during Sim’s early months in office, a senior party executive and a special adviser to the mayor allegedly sought advice from Tsakumis concerning Sim’s alcohol consumption. No names have been disclosed, and these claims remain unproven in court.
Next Steps in a Growing Political Scandal
As the legal process unfolds, both sides are preparing for what could become a highly publicized courtroom confrontation. With reputations at stake, the outcome could have lasting political and legal implications for Mayor Sim and his administration.
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