Retailer loses defamation suit against customer over negative Shopee review

Singapore retailer Asia Excel lost a defamation lawsuit against a customer who posted a negative review on e-commerce platform Shopee. The judge ruled that the review was not defamatory, as it accurately reflected the retailer's delivery and refund policies. The customer, Ms Chua Poh Hiok, had purchased a cooker hood from Asia Excel in 2024 and posted a review on Asia Excel's listing page, advising others not to buy from the seller due to the retailer's delivery and return practices.

Asia Excel argued that the review was defamatory, but the judge found that not every negative review is defamatory and that this particular review was true and justified. The court emphasized that ratings and reviews are essential for e-commerce platforms and that sellers must accept them as part of conducting business online.