By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Sierra Leonean model and brand influencer, Esther Yeanoh Kamara, has publicly refuted allegations of financial misconduct made against her by Lake Production. In a Press Release dated March 19, 2025 Esther Yeanoh Kamara described the accusations as "baseless, false and unfounded," maintaining that she has substantial evidence to prove her innocence.

The controversy stems from a March 7, 2025 Press Statement issued by the Management of Lake Production, titled: "Immediate Action Required: Misuse of Funds and Expulsion." Signed by Musa A. Kamara, Chief Operating Officer of Lake Group of Companies, a subsidiary of Miss Freetown Pageant SL Limited, the release accuses Esther Yeanoh Kamara of mismanaging SLE 52,888 related to the 2024 Miss Freetown event. The statement was widely circulated online on March 17 by popular blog pages, including Hawanatu Konneh Network and Salone Gossip Reloaded, featuring Esther Yeanoh Kamara's photographs without her consent.

Esther Yeanoh Kamara, who has worked with Lake Production from 2021 to March 2025, expressed disappointment over what she termed as character assassination. "If Lake Production believes I misused their funds, there are proper channels to follow for recovery," she stated, adding that her commitment to professionalism and integrity remains intact.

The release from Lake Production reportedly warned of legal consequences, including possible intervention by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), if Esther Yeanoh Kamara fails to refund the mentioned sum within 48 hours. However, Esther Yeanoh Kamara remains undeterred. "I have consulted my legal team and possess all necessary evidence to prove my innocence. I have a family name and a brand to protect and I will not compromise my hard-earned reputation for this," she declared.

She also highlighted her role in organizing what she described as one of the most successful Miss Freetown events in Sierra Leone’s history, crediting her hard work and that of her team for the event’s success.

As the dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen whether legal proceedings will be initiated. While Esther Yeanoh Kamara asserts her confidence in clearing her name, Lake Production has yet to respond publicly to her statement.

For now, Esther Yeanoh Kamara remains "calm and optimistic," expressing her readiness to address the matter through appropriate legal channels.