A recent ruling has resulted in a significant development in the legal battle between rapper Megan Thee Stallion and social media blogger Milagro Gramz. Although a jury had found Gramz liable for defamation, Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga dismissed this claim, citing that Gramz is a media defendant and that Megan’s legal team failed to properly notify her about the lawsuit. The final judgment was entered on October 3, 2023, clarifying the outcomes of the case.
Despite the dismissal of the defamation claim, Megan Thee Stallion will still receive $59,000 for counts related to intentional infliction of emotional distress and the promotion of altered sexual depictions. The ruling has sparked confusion on social media, prompting Megan to clarify the situation on X (formerly Twitter). In response to a post by journalist Meghann Cuniff, she stated, “Thank you… Here they go lying again AS USUAL. If you want REAL MEDIA/NEWS know how to be Patient and know how to READ.”
The letter from Megan’s legal team emphasized that the court has not yet issued a final judgment regarding the defamation claim. The ruling on the total financial amount that Milagro Gramz must pay, which will include legal fees and the defamation count, will be determined at a later date.
Megan Thee Stallion initially filed her lawsuit in 2024, accusing Milagro Gramz of disseminating false information about her following the 2020 shooting incident involving Tory Lanez. This included claims of Gramz reposting deepfake pornographic videos featuring the rapper. Although the defamation claim was dismissed, Judge Altonaga retains the option to impose restrictions on Gramz, preventing her from making further public statements about Megan.
Megan’s legal representatives expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Attorney Mari Henderson remarked, “We’re thankful for the jury’s commitment to reinforcing the importance of truth, accountability and responsible commentary on social media.” She added that not only is Milagro being held accountable through compensatory and punitive damages, but Florida’s fee-shifting legal provision will also require Gramz to cover the costs associated with Megan’s legal actions regarding the deepfake claim.
This case underscores the significant consequences of spreading misinformation, particularly in the age of social media, where public figures are often subjected to scrutiny and false narratives.
