Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner File Defamation Lawsuit Against Ray J Over Racketeering Allegations

Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, have filed a defamation lawsuit against Ray J, the R&B artist and former partner of Kim Kardashian, following his public allegations that the Kardashian family is the subject of a federal racketeering investigation. The lawsuit, filed in late September 2025, comes on the heels of Ray J’s comments aired during the TMZ documentary series "United States versus Shawn Combs," as well as additional remarks made in a subsequent livestream event on September 24, 2025 .

According to legal documents obtained by entertainment outlets, Ray J—whose legal name is William Ray Norwood Jr.—asserted in the documentary that "racketeering charges against the Kardashians would be appropriate," and that he would believe it if told that such charges were imminent. He later intensified these claims during a livestream, stating, "The federal reco I'm about to drop on Kris and Kim is about to be crazy... The feds is coming," further referencing the ongoing federal racketeering trial involving Shawn "Diddy" Combs and implying that any investigation into the Kardashians would be "worse than Diddy" .

The Kardashians' legal team characterized Ray J’s statements as "blatantly false" and "seriously damaging," emphasizing that neither Kim nor Kris has ever faced such legal scrutiny, nor have they previously brought a defamation suit. In a statement to E! News, their attorney explained, "Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian have never brought a defamation claim before, nor have they been distracted by noise. But this false and serious allegation left no choice" .

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, citing harm to both personal and professional reputations. The Kardashian-Jenner family's legal action underscores the growing trend of high-profile individuals turning to the courts to counteract public misinformation and reputational harm, especially in an era where digital media amplifies and accelerates the spread of false claims.

As of this report, Ray J has not responded publicly to the lawsuit, and representatives for Ray J have not issued a statement .

Ray J’s public relationship with the Kardashian family dates back over two decades, notably with the 2002 release of a private tape involving himself and Kim Kardashian. That incident resurfaced in public discourse prior to the 2007 launch of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," setting the stage for years of intermittent public rancor between Ray J and the Kardashian-Jenner family .

According to the court filings, the Kardashian-Jenner family alleges that Ray J’s recent statements are part of a pattern stemming from his inability to accept the end of his relationship with Kim Kardashian more than 20 years ago. The family’s legal team asserts that these repeated public attacks have escalated to the point where legal intervention has become necessary .

The case has reverberations beyond celebrity news, particularly for LGBTQ+ public figures who often face similar forms of targeted misinformation and reputational threats. Defamation and false allegations in the digital age can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and queer public figures, who already navigate unique challenges in the media landscape .

Media experts have noted that legal responses to defamatory claims can serve as an important recourse for those without the same resources or visibility as the Kardashians. LGBTQ+ advocates highlight the need for robust legal protections and the amplification of anti-defamation efforts, as false accusations can jeopardize not only careers but also personal safety and well-being .

The Kardashian-Jenner lawsuit may also prompt renewed discussions within the LGBTQ+ community about the importance of media literacy, supportive legal structures, and the collective need to challenge misinformation wherever it appears. As misinformation and defamatory rhetoric become more prevalent online, the experiences of high-profile individuals—regardless of their identity—illustrate broader systemic issues faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond .

Defamation cases involving celebrities often set precedents for how courts interpret public statements and the responsibilities of high-profile individuals in the digital era. The Kardashian-Jenner action against Ray J is notable as their first public defamation claim despite years of public scrutiny and rumor-mongering. Legal analysts suggest that, should the case proceed, it could influence how courts and media platforms address similar claims in the future, including those targeting LGBTQ+ celebrities or advocates .

For communities historically marginalized in media, including LGBTQ+ people, the case highlights both the risks of unchecked misinformation and the potential for legal recourse. As the Kardashian-Jenner family pursues damages for reputational harm, LGBTQ+ public figures and their allies continue to push for stronger safeguards and accountability in the digital information ecosystem .

While the outcome of the lawsuit remains to be determined, the case is a reminder of the far-reaching impact of public statements in a media-saturated environment. For the Kardashian-Jenner family, the suit marks a significant assertion of their commitment to protecting their reputation against false claims. For LGBTQ+ communities and other public figures, it serves as a call to action for continued vigilance, advocacy, and legal innovation in the face of defamation and online abuse.

The story continues to develop, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings move forward.