BATON ROUGE, La. — A disaster relief organization has filed a defamation lawsuit in the 19th Judicial District Court against a rival group and its leaders, alleging a multiyear campaign of false statements that harmed its reputation and interfered with emergency operations.
The petition filed by Cajun Navy 2016 names the United Cajun Navy, President Todd Terrell and Vice President Brian Thrasher as defendants. According to the filing, the defendants repeatedly published misleading and untrue claims on social media and public channels, questioning the legitimacy and integrity of Cajun Navy 2016.
The nonprofit claims the statements discouraged donors and volunteers while creating unnecessary confusion during natural disasters.
“When floodwaters rise, families don't have time to sort through competing claims on social media. They need to know who is actually showing up. Our reputation is one of the most important tools we have when lives are on the line,” said Jon Bridgers, CEO and founder of Cajun Navy 2016. “We've ignored this for years because helping people has always been more important than arguing online. But there comes a point when staying quiet actually hurts the people we're trying to help.”
The lawsuit alleges the defendants engaged in a deliberate effort to mislead the public rather than offering protected criticism. Cajun Navy 2016 is seeking damages authorized under state law, alongside injunctive and declaratory relief to halt further defamatory conduct.
"We didn't choose this path lightly. For years, we've stayed focused on serving others. Unfortunately, the false statements have continued, and protecting our reputation has become necessary to protect our mission," Bridgers added. “The demand for disaster response continues to grow across our country. There is room for every organization willing to answer the call and serve those in need. We believe those efforts should be measured by the lives we help, not by attempts to discredit others who have chosen the same mission.”
Formed following historic Louisiana flooding, Cajun Navy 2016 deploys volunteers nationwide to assist during hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. The group stated it will not offer further comment while the litigation remains before the court.