Overview
- On Wednesday a Los Angeles County judge denied Ray J’s motion to dismiss and rejected his anti‑SLAPP effort, allowing Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner’s defamation and false‑light claims to proceed to trial.
- Judge Steven Ellis wrote that the contested comments could reasonably be interpreted as accusing the women of committing a crime and that an accusation of criminal conduct is defamatory on its face.
- The court left a trial date on the calendar, though outlets differ on the month with Rolling Stone reporting March 6, 2028 and other reporting saying May 2028.
- Ray J and his lawyer say the statements were opinion or made when he believed a live stream had ended and they have vowed an immediate First Amendment appeal.
- Ray J’s separate cross‑complaint says an April 2023 settlement included a $6 million payment and a non‑disparagement clause; that breach claim has been sent to arbitration and the pending appeal and arbitration are likely to delay final resolution and extend public scrutiny of the parties.