In a dramatic escalation of a long-standing feud, reality television mogul Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, have initiated legal action against singer and television personality Ray J. The lawsuit, filed in response to what their legal team describes as baseless and defamatory statements, centers on Ray J’s recent claims that the mother-daughter duo were subjects of a federal racketeering investigation. The allegations, which have been vehemently denied by Kardashian and Jenner’s camp, have reignited tensions rooted in a decades-old relationship between Kim and Ray J, further complicated by their tumultuous history.
According to legal documents filed by their attorney, Alex Spiro, Ray J made the contentious claims earlier this year in TMZ’s documentary United States vs. Sean Combs. He reportedly reiterated these allegations during a widely viewed livestream on September 24, 2025, reaching millions of viewers. The statements, which suggested that Kardashian and Jenner were under scrutiny for racketeering—a serious federal crime involving organized criminal activity—prompted an immediate and forceful response from their legal team. Spiro, in a statement reported by People magazine, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that neither Kim Kardashian nor Kris Jenner had ever pursued a defamation lawsuit before. “Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian have never brought a defamation claim before … but this false and serious allegation left no choice,” Spiro declared, underscoring the severity of Ray J’s accusations and their impact on the plaintiffs’ reputations.
The lawsuit accuses Ray J, whose real name is William Ray Norwood Jr., of engaging in a “sustained campaign of harassment and defamation” against Kardashian and Jenner for over two decades. This alleged campaign is said to have originated from Ray J’s brief romantic relationship with Kim Kardashian in the early 2000s, a period that has continued to cast a long shadow over their public interactions. The filing asserts that Ray J’s claims about a federal investigation are entirely fabricated, with no evidence to support them. The legal documents describe his statements as demonstrating a “reckless disregard for the truth” and characterize them as “malicious defamatory conduct” intended to harm the reputations of Kardashian and Jenner, both of whom have built a global media empire through their reality television shows, business ventures, and public personas.
The history between Kim Kardashian and Ray J is well-documented and has been a source of public fascination for years. The two dated briefly in the early 2000s, a relationship that gained notoriety following the 2007 leak of an intimate video featuring the couple. The release of the sex tape, which was distributed by adult entertainment company Vivid Entertainment, catapulted Kardashian into the spotlight and remains a defining moment in her rise to fame. However, it also became a recurring point of contention between her and Ray J, with the latter frequently referencing the tape in interviews, music, and public appearances. In 2013, Ray J released a song titled I Hit It First, widely interpreted as a provocative reference to his past relationship with Kardashian. The track, accompanied by a music video featuring a lookalike of Kim, further strained their relationship and fueled tabloid speculation about their ongoing feud.
Over the years, Ray J has made various claims about his relationship with Kardashian and her family, often portraying himself as a victim of their media dominance. His recent allegations, however, mark a significant escalation, as they implicate Kardashian and Jenner in serious criminal activity. Racketeering, as defined under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), involves a pattern of illegal activity carried out as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise. Such accusations carry profound implications, particularly for public figures like Kardashian and Jenner, whose brand is built on their carefully curated image. The lawsuit contends that Ray J’s statements were not only false but also deliberately intended to damage their personal and professional reputations.
The legal filing emphasizes that no federal investigation into Kardashian or Jenner exists, and their attorneys have accused Ray J of exploiting his platform to spread falsehoods. The September 24 livestream, in particular, is cited as a pivotal moment, as it amplified the allegations to a massive online audience. The lawsuit argues that Ray J’s actions constitute a pattern of harassment that has persisted for years, with the racketeering claims representing a new low in his efforts to tarnish the Kardashian-Jenner name. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for defamation, as well as an injunction to prevent Ray J from making further false statements.
This legal battle marks a rare instance of Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner taking such aggressive legal action to protect their reputations. Both women have faced their share of controversies over the years, from personal scandals to business disputes, but they have typically avoided litigation of this nature. Their decision to file a defamation lawsuit signals the seriousness with which they view Ray J’s allegations and their potential to cause lasting harm. The lawsuit also highlights the broader challenges faced by public figures in the digital age, where false information can spread rapidly through social media and livestreaming platforms, reaching millions of people in an instant.
Ray J, for his part, has not publicly responded to the lawsuit as of the latest reports, but his history suggests he may not shy away from addressing the matter. Known for his outspoken nature and willingness to engage in public disputes, Ray J has often used media platforms to share his perspective on his past with Kardashian and her family. Whether he will attempt to defend his claims or seek to settle the matter out of court remains to be seen.
The lawsuit also raises questions about the broader dynamics of celebrity feuds in the era of social media, where personal disputes can quickly escalate into public spectacles. For Kardashian and Jenner, the stakes are particularly high, given their status as cultural icons and the extensive business interests tied to their brand. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for how public figures address defamation and harassment in the future, particularly when such claims are amplified through digital channels.
As the case moves forward, it is likely to attract significant attention, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the sensational nature of the allegations. For now, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are standing firm in their assertion that Ray J’s claims are baseless and harmful, and they are prepared to fight to protect their reputations in court. The lawsuit represents not only a personal stand against a former associate but also a broader statement about the importance of accountability in the face of defamation.
