Full Breakdown
Megan Thee Stallion Secures Defamation Verdict Against Blogger Milagro Gramz
12/4/2025, 4:01:36 AM
Jury Ruling and Legal Implications
A federal jury in Miami ruled in favor of rapper Megan Thee Stallion, awarding her $75,000 in damages after finding blogger Milagro Gramz, whose legal name is Milagro Cooper, liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and promoting a deepfake pornographic video of the artist. The lawsuit, filed in October 2024, accused Gramz of collaborating with Tory Lanez, who was convicted of shooting Megan in 2020, to spread false claims and amplify the reach of the explicit video. The jury's decision came after two days of deliberation, with the final award potentially adjusted to $59,000 due to Gramz being classified as a media defendant, which limits her liability for defamation.
Background of the Case
Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete, alleged that Gramz acted as a "mouthpiece" for Lanez, disseminating false narratives about her, including accusations of lying under oath and suffering from alcoholism. The deepfake video, which depicted Megan in a sexually explicit manner, was said to have severely impacted her mental health and professional reputation, leading to lost endorsements and contracts. During the trial, Megan testified about the emotional distress caused by the online harassment, stating that it led her to seek intensive therapy.
Official Statements & Responses
Megan's attorney, Mari Henderson, expressed gratitude for the jury's commitment to accountability and responsible commentary on social media, emphasizing the importance of truth in public discourse. In contrast, Gramz expressed disappointment but stated she respected the jury's decision, highlighting the case's implications for independent media creators. Her attorney, Natacha Bien-Aime, noted that while the financial penalty was significant, the ruling raised concerns about the future of free speech online.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the verdict, including Gramz's legal team, argued that the ruling could create a chilling effect on independent commentators and bloggers, potentially stifling open dialogue and criticism. They emphasized the need for a clearer ethical framework for new media, suggesting that the verdict might discourage individuals from engaging in public discussions out of fear of litigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There was some confusion regarding the final judgment on the defamation count. While the jury found Gramz liable, Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga later indicated that the defamation charge might be dismissed due to her media defendant status. This has led to discrepancies in reporting about the total damages Megan will ultimately receive, as the judge is expected to issue a final ruling on the matter.
What's Next
The case highlights ongoing legal challenges surrounding the use of AI-generated content and its implications for reputational harm. As the legal landscape evolves, the boundaries between opinion, commentary, and defamation will continue to be scrutinized, particularly in the context of social media and independent journalism.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are thankful for the jury’s commitment to reinforcing the importance of truth, accountability and responsible commentary on social media,” — Mari Henderson, Attorney for Megan Thee Stallion
- “I’m not ecstatic. Of course you want things to go your way, but like I said, I respect the jury and what they decided.” — Milagro Gramz, Blogger
- “Not only is Milagro being held accountable for paying Megan compensatory and punitive damages, but Florida’s fee-shifting legal provision will require her to cover costs of Megan’s legal bills on the deepfake claim. This verdict sends a clear message that spreading dangerous misinformation carries significant consequences.” — Mari Henderson, Attorney for Megan Thee Stallion
- “At the end of the day, it was not a complete win for any side.” — Jeremy McLymont, Attorney for Milagro Gramz
- “Everything is a learning lesson in life, a regret? I hate that someone was hurt in the midst of me doing something I love,” — Milagro Gramz, Blogger
