The Athens Single-Member Misdemeanors Court acquitted actress Panagioti Vlanti of defamation charges brought against her by actor and director Giorgos Kimoulis. The case stemmed from statements Vlanti made to the press and television in 2023, in which she described allegedly abusive behavior by Kimoulis toward colleagues.
Court Accepts Prosecution’s Recommendation
The court followed the prosecutor’s recommendation to dismiss the charges. In her closing statement, the prosecutor emphasized that Vlanti expressed opinions she genuinely believed to be true—based on confidences shared with her by fellow actors—and therefore lacked criminal intent.
Vlanti: ‘A Moral Duty to Speak Up’
During her testimony, Vlanti stated she did not fabricate facts or tell lies, but relayed accounts shared with her by actress Dora Chrysikou. She described her public statements as a moral obligation to support fellow performers who had filed similar complaints—and stressed she acted without personal gain or motives of revenge.
Kimoulis Alleged ‘Character Assassination’
In his complaint, Kimoulis referred to the allegations as ‘character assassination’, claiming there had been an organized effort to damage his reputation through public accusations and televised appearances.
Chrysikou Testifies on Verbal Abuse
Actress Dora Chrysikou also testified, describing incidents of verbal abuse she said she experienced during her professional collaboration with Kimoulis. She noted that, historically, actors rarely reported such conduct—a pattern now shifting amid growing awareness and accountability.
Zeta Douka Attends Trial
The trial was attended by actress Zeta Douka, Kimoulis’s primary accuser in a separate case concerning alleged abusive behavior toward her.