This isn't about one mans fair comment as you state, otherwise it would not be an issue.
I believe you are suggesting people can say whatever they like regardless of it being true or not. So you would be happy for anyone to say whatever they liked about you?
Thankfully I live in a country where the law makers believe otherwise.
If people and companies including HC don't like our laws, (that are designed to protect you and I) they are encouraged to go elsewhere.