Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner’s defamation case against Ray J will continue after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rejected the singer’s bid to dismiss the lawsuit.
The ruling allows Kardashian and Jenner’s claims to proceed toward a scheduled May 2028 trial. Ray J, whose legal name is William Ray Norwood Jr., has vowed to appeal.
Kardashian and Jenner sued the entertainer over statements they say falsely connected them to a federal racketeering investigation. Ray J also allegedly suggested their conduct could be worse than that attributed to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Ray J sought dismissal, arguing his statements constituted protected opinions under the First Amendment. He also contended that some remarks occurred after he mistakenly believed a livestream had ended.
The judge declined to end the case at this stage. The court found that a reasonable person could understand some of Ray J’s statements as factual assertions.
That distinction is central to the litigation. Opinions generally receive constitutional protection, while provably false factual statements can support defamation claims.
Judge Denies Ray J’s Dismissal Request In Kim Kardashian-Kris Jenner’s Defamation
Ray J’s attorney said the defense will challenge the ruling on appeal.
“We will promptly appeal the ruling which failed to recognize Ray J’s First Amendment right to publish his opinion about the despicable behavior of Kim Kardashian,” the attorney told TMZ.
“The appeal freezes the proceedings,” the attorney added. “It is unlikely there will be a trial in 2028 or ever.”
The dispute stems from Ray J’s public comments about Kardashian and Jenner. The allegations have placed renewed attention on his history with Kardashian and the legal boundaries surrounding celebrity commentary.
The latest ruling does not determine whether Ray J defamed Kardashian or Jenner. Instead, it permits their claims to survive the dismissal stage.
The appeal could alter the litigation schedule before the case reaches trial. Meanwhile, Kardashian and Jenner will continue pursuing their claims while Ray J challenges the ruling.
The case now moves into its next phase with the First Amendment dispute remaining at its center.
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