Kim Kardashian Wins Defamation Suit as Plaintiff Abandons Appeal

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael C. Small dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Ivan Cantu, who claimed his photograph was mistakenly used in an online post about a Texas death‑row inmate sharing his name. The judge ruled in favor of 45‑year‑old Kim Kardashian on November 5, awarding her $167,475 in attorney fees and $1,062 in costs under an anti‑SLAPP motion. Cantu had originally filed the suit in February 2025, later adding a misappropriation of likeness claim in May. He appealed the dismissal on December 30, but his attorney filed papers on Tuesday abandoning the appeal, providing no explanation. Cantu alleged the error caused him embarrassment, anxiety, and other emotional harms after receiving messages that he was slated for execution. The anti‑SLAPP statute is intended to protect First Amendment activities from meritless lawsuits.