In a significant win for Megan Thee Stallion, a federal jury in Miami found the blogger Milagro Gramz (real name Milagro Cooper) liable for defamation. The rapper — born Megan Pete — will be awarded US$59,000 in damages.
🎯 What Happened: The Defamation Lawsuit Landscape
-
Megan filed the lawsuit in October 2024, accusing Gramz of spreading false claims about her character, mental health, and the circumstances of her 2020 shooting by Tory Lanez. The suit also alleged Gramz shared a doctored deepfake video — an altered sexual depiction — of Megan without her consent.
-
During the trial, Megan took the stand and described in emotional testimony how Gramz’s posts — amplified across social media — caused her severe emotional distress, mental anguish, and public character attacks.
📜 Jury Verdict & Damage Award
-
After deliberation, the jury sided with Megan, holding Gramz liable for defamation. The panel initially awarded $75,000, but a judge later reduced it to $59,000 after adjusting for certain counts.
-
This ruling marks a public figure successfully winning a defamation suit — sending a message about accountability for spreading false and harmful content online.
Megan’s Reaction
Upon hearing the verdict, Megan released a brief statement expressing relief and satisfaction: “I’m just happy.” For the artist, this isn’t just a monetary win — it’s a symbolic win against harassment, misinformation, and character assassination.
Why This Matters: Broader Implications
-
🔹 Online Accountability — The case underscores that social media bloggers and commentators can be held legally responsible if they disseminate false, damaging information about individuals — even public figures.
-
🔹 Impact on Reputation & Mental Health — Megan’s testimony highlighted the real emotional and psychological toll defamation can take, especially when amplified across platforms.
-
🔹 Precedent for Victims of Deepfake & Online Smear Campaigns — As deepfake and digital harassment become more common, this case could serve as a reference point for others seeking justice against false and damaging online narratives.
-
🔹 Empowerment & Advocacy — For Megan, this verdict is more than personal vindication: it’s a public stand for many Black women and survivors whose stories are often questioned or dismissed.
What’s Next — What to Watch
-
The $59,000 award provides some closure, but many will be watching to see if this ruling deters similar behavior in online commentary and entertainment blogging.
-
This case may inspire other public figures — and everyday people — to pursue legal action when defamed, especially in cases involving deepfakes or coordinated smear campaigns.
-
Observers of media, law, and social justice will be paying close attention to how courts and platforms respond when defamation meets social-media amplification in the digital age.