RELEASE: Sean Orr Files Defamation Suit Against Ken Sim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2026

Orr retains McEwan Partners; COPE co-chairs condemn mayor's conduct

VANCOUVER, BC — COPE Vancouver Councillor Sean Orr has filed a defamation lawsuit against Mayor Ken Sim in connection with false statements Sim made to Chinese-language media accusing Orr of distributing illegal drugs on Christmas Day 2025.

On February 6, 2026, Mayor Sim told a group of Chinese-speaking reporters and social media influencers that Councillor Orr had handed out illegal drugs on Christmas Day. ABC Councillor Lenny Zhou, serving as Sim's Mandarin interpreter at the briefing, subsequently posted a five-minute video on WeChat repeating and expanding the claims. The video was shared over 1,700 times before being removed.

“Telling the public one thing in English media, and another thing in Chinese-Language Media undermines trust and stokes division in communities we’re elected to serve,” said COPE School Board Trustee Suzie Mah, “Ken Sim’s two-faced comments are going to put Chinese residents under scrutiny and attacks, even though they were the victims of Ken Sim’s lies.”

Councillor Orr was not in Vancouver on December 25, 2025. He was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast. No evidence supporting the Mayor's claim has been produced.

When confronted by journalists on February 27, Mayor Sim repeated a scripted apology at least sixteen times while declining to answer questions about the source of his claims.

At a subsequent press conference on March 3, Sim stated he had been shown an unverified photo by a member of the public. His office said it did not have a copy of the photo. Sim did not identify the individual who showed it to him.

“Was the photo labelled? Was Sean holding a newspaper with the date on it? What photo could convey this allegation with the certainty to bring it to the media?” said COPE Co-Chair Sam Smart, “Either the Mayor fell for something unbelievably foolish, or he made it up. I don’t know which is worse.”

"Sean Orr has done nothing wrong. The mayor shared provocative and divisive accusations of criminal wrongdoing in a context designed to ensure Sean couldn't defend himself.” said COPE Co-Chair Nate Stanley today, “COPE has Sean's back. So does Vancouver. We’re going to ensure he’s re-elected with a commanding mandate.”

COPE is not directly involved in Sean Orr’s lawsuit, or legal fundraiser. COPE is focused on electing a team of candidates, including Sean, that can fight for Vancouver.

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Media Contact:

COPE Vancouver
cope@copevancouver.ca
votecope.ca