In a significant legal victory that has captured national attention, rapper and songwriter Megan Thee Stallion has won a defamation lawsuit against a blogger for a sustained campaign of online harassment, which included the spread of a sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake video. The case, closely watched due to Megan's high-profile relationship with Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson, underscores the growing legal battles against digital abuse.
Jury Finds Blogger Liable for Defamation and Harm
A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida ruled this week that blogger Milagro Gramz, legally named Milagro Cooper, defamed and targeted Megan Thee Stallion, whose real name is Megan Pete, through years of damaging online posts. The nine-member panel concluded that Cooper's actions caused genuine harm to the rapper's reputation and mental well-being.
The jury found that Cooper willfully encouraged her followers to engage with false narratives and to view a manipulated AI video that portrayed Megan in a sexual manner. These false claims allegedly painted Megan as a "mouthpiece," "puppet," and "paid surrogate" for fellow rapper Tory Lanez. This case is deeply intertwined with the trauma Megan experienced after being shot by Lanez in 2020, with her legal team arguing the online campaign compounded her distress.
Damages Awarded and Legal Arguments
Initially, the jury calculated the damages at $75,000. However, U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga reduced the final award to $59,000. Following the verdict, Milagro Cooper stated, "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." Her attorney commented that the outcome was not a complete victory for either side.
Megan's lawsuit described a years-long effort by Cooper to discredit her following the 2020 shooting. It accused the blogger of cyberstalking, emotional abuse, and the intentional infliction of distress by spreading conspiracy theories about the criminal case and amplifying the deepfake video to tens of thousands of followers.
Broader Implications for Free Speech and Online Safety
The lawsuit has sparked conversations about the limits of free speech in the digital age. Cooper's defense attorney argued that the judgment "raises serious concerns about the future of free speech online" and could create a chilling effect. However, legal experts point out that the case aligns with newer legal protections, particularly in Florida, which are designed to combat non-consensual, AI-generated explicit content.
For Megan Thee Stallion, the verdict represents a measure of justice and relief after enduring prolonged online harassment. The case highlights the severe impact that coordinated digital attacks and deepfake technology can have on individuals, especially public figures. It sets a notable precedent for holding individuals accountable for weaponizing false narratives and AI-manipulated media to cause harm.
