Freedom of Expression - Save 'The Final Say'

Most of us believe in free speech and freedom of expression; as an author, I certainly do! When I asked my friend, Jason Allday, to help me by co-writing my recent autobiography, I couldn't have imagined that someone would launch legal action against him over the book's content, which, bearing in mind, is about my life through my eyes! "But why would a person take Allday to court, not you, Carlton? - After all, it's your book?" I hear you, and I agree with your sentiment. In answer to that question, I can only surmise that Jason is being targeted as a presumed 'weak-link', arguably in a bully-like move by someone with an ulterior motive to stop people who choose to from reading my book!

When we publish our lives for all to read (or see on film), we must expect criticism, questions to be raised, and for some not to believe or agree with us. Sadly, the man threatening author Jason Allday with various forms of legal action seems to believe he is the only person who should speak on certain topics about which I have chosen to share my experiences. This attitude, ladies and gentlemen, is not good for freedom of expression. The claimant chose to put himself and his opinions in the public eye but now wants to erase any criticism he attracts from the internet, but why should he choose what you watch or read?

If you've ever enjoyed watching the movie 'Rise of the Footsoldier', reading a book about the topic of 'The Essex Boys' or in fact you enjoy indulging in varying opinions on both sides of any subject, then I would be grateful if you would help me to make a stand, by raising funds to pay for my co-author's legal expenses and thwart the frivolous legal actions being initiated by Bernard O'Mahoney for defamation. That's right, people; Bernard says he is suing Jason and wants a financial pay-out! We can beat this ridiculous claim with my legal contacts and your help. It’s the right of the people to choose if they want to watch any certain video on YouTube or if they’d like to read about my life in CARLTON – The Final Say, and together we can ensure that right remains for the many, not taken away by the few (well…the one!).

It's well known and documented that I have previously used my social platform to help others, so now I need to ask the same good people who have always supported me to help with something a little closer to home...

Thank you all for your consideration, for spreading the word, and for doing what you can to keep someone from censoring my book and interviews from you!

Sincerely,

Carlton Leach