GLOCESTER – A teacher at Ponaganset High School has filed a lawsuit against a local podcaster saying discussion on a show last year amounted to defamation and slander, and seeking punitive damages.
Cranston resident Bailey Braga filed a complaint against Michael Rebello, host of a podcast dubbed “Can We Keep It Real,” in January.
Through his attorney Jeffrey Sowa, Braga, a CTE facilitator and instructor for the school’s business program, points to statements made in October where Rebello suggested he was a predator and pedophile who should not be around children.
Rebello also posted a photograph that shows Braga wearing makeup that the plaintiff says was AI generated.
“Said conduct by the defendant was extreme and outrageous, beyond all possible bounds of decency and is utterly intolerable in a civilized community,” notes the complaint, filed in Rhode Island Superior Court.
Rebello, a Westerly resident, submitted an answer in his own defense saying “that all statements at issue were made in good-faith reliance on public records, judicial proceedings, and/or constituted constitutionally protected opinion and commentary on matters of public concern.”
In the response, Rebello denies making any false statements, or that any images or materials referenced were fabricated, altered, or generated by artificial intelligence.
Speaking to NRI NOW this week, the podcaster said the image in question was taken from Braga’s own social media. Rebello said his podcast, which was started in 2021 with a focus on Rhode Island sports, has expanded in recent years to include issues of accountability in schools.
Braga responded to a request for a statement noting he cannot provide comment while the litigation is pending.
The “Can We Keep It Real” episodes at the focus of the suit followed news in October of the resignation and state police investigation of PHS gym teacher Alisha Crins. Crins has since been indicted on sexual assault charges based on allegations of a relationship with a former student.
As news of the investigation spread across social media last fall, commenters aired other issues with PHS staff. Among them was one with knowledge of a restraining orders filed against Braga in Massachusetts by his ex-wife prohibiting contact with the couple’s daughter.
NRI NOW spoke to a member of the family in November and learned that while the matter is ongoing, no charges against Braga have been filed in the case.
As of this week, Rebello’s content on the matter remains on his page in multiple posts from October that include copies of the restraining order and later extensions as well as photos of Bailey.
The suit states that at the time, Braga contacted Rebello to clear up the matter, but that the statements against the teacher continued.
Rebello, meanwhile, admits that Braga did contact him, but says it was mostly to threaten litigation. In the legal documents, he states the matter is a First Amendment issue and notes he has been defending himself due to financial hardship.
Rebello filed a motion to dismiss the suit in February, and Braga’s attorney has responded with a request for discovery, noting no documents were filed supporting the defense.
A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for Monday, April 20.
Why doesn’t one look up the podcaster’s own record on the e portal…..
Here’s my take on what may have happened: a podcaster received anonymous information about the situation. It seems like there could be a contentious child custody dispute involved, where one parent may be attempting to damage the other’s reputation. Regardless of the details, I genuinely feel for the child caught in the middle. Time will tell but completely different from the predatory gym teacher this year.
Why is it that more people are mad about the fact that CanWeKeepItReal Podcaster reported on this story? Why aren’t people reporting on the real issues here? Like why is it that the Superintendent/Administration is protecting this teachers over the safety of the students. Why aren’t we talking about the fact that this administration specifically told parents that Mr. Braga doesn’t currently have a restraining order and never has had one? When in fact he does currently have a restraining order on behalf of his minor child and he has had multiple restraining orders in the past. Everyone wants to claim that they support women and children who are victims of abuse. Until it actually comes time to stand up for them and then they don’t.