June 5th, 2026
Posted By
Patrick M. Mincey

WILMINGTON, N.C. — June 5, 2026 — Prominent businessman and luxury homebuilder Mark Batson has accused competing builders and associated individuals of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to destroy his personal and business reputation.

The complaint, filed in New Hanover County Superior Court by Batson and his businesses, alleges a “calculated and malicious campaign” designed to dismantle a family business empire through falsehoods and reputational sabotage.

Batson asserts that defendants, unable to compete on business merits, engaged in a multi-pronged attack including a slander campaign, dissemination of false statements, and use of AI-generated imagery accusing Batson of having extramarital sex with clients at the clients’ homes. The defendants caused the false statements and rumors to spread from North Carolina to as far as California, per the complaint.

“Mr. Batson brought this suit because a hard-earned reputation is more valuable than any riches,” said attorney Patrick Mincey of Mincey Bell, which filed the suit.

The complaint alleges the defendants’ actions were part of a conspiracy to inflict maximum reputational and economic harm by targeting clients and professional relationships.

“Defendants are unable to fairly compete with Batson and attempted instead to cut him off at the knees with cheap falsehoods. They will soon learn the heavy consequences of their actions,” said attorney Stephen Bell.

Claims include defamation, unfair and deceptive trade practices, tortious interference of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, and civil conspiracy. The plaintiffs seek monetary and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief.

Mincey Bell attorneys stated the investigation remains ongoing: “This is only the beginning. We absolutely expect to name more defendants because our clients will hold everyone responsible to the legal maximum.”

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