Entertainment · October 20, 2026
Mariah Carey $20 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over Memoir Dismissed
A New York State Supreme Court justice has dismissed a $20 million defamation lawsuit brought by Morgan Carey against his sister, singer Mariah Carey, over her 2020 memoir, 'The Meaning of Mariah Carey'. The lawsuit, initiated in 2021, alleged that the singer damaged her brother's reputation by portraying him as violent and suggesting involvement in drug trafficking. Justice Leslie A. Stroth ruled that Morgan Carey failed to meet the legal standard for actual malice required under New York law, prompting Mariah Carey's legal team to celebrate the protection of her memoir's public interest themes, while Morgan Carey's attorney signaled an intent to appeal.
Read the original coverage
Mariah Carey $20 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over Memoir Dismissed
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- TMZTabloid
Mariah Carey's Brother's Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed By Judge
Read at TMZ ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
Mariah Carey Beats Brother's $20 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over Tell-All Memoir
Read at Rolling Stone ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- A New York State Supreme Court judge dismissed Morgan Carey's defamation lawsuit against Mariah Carey.
- The lawsuit was based on Mariah Carey's 2020 memoir, 'The Meaning of Mariah Carey'.
- Morgan Carey sought damages exceeding $20 million.
- The judge ruled that the plaintiff failed to sufficiently plead 'actual malice'.
- Morgan Carey claimed the book falsely portrayed him as violent and involved in cocaine trafficking.
Reported by only some outlets
- The lawsuit was described as a five-year legal battle (Rolling Stone).
- Morgan Carey claimed his sister relied on their late mother as a source for some material (Rolling Stone).
- Morgan Carey's lawyer stated they intend to appeal the decision (The Hollywood Reporter).
- The ruling cited New York anti-SLAPP law requirements for actual malice (Rolling Stone).
Confirmed
- Justice Leslie A. Stroth dismissed the lawsuit on Monday.
- The court found a lack of evidence for 'actual malice'.
- Mariah Carey's lawyer is John Rosenberg.
- Morgan Carey's lawyer is Richard Altman.
Reported
- Morgan Carey intends to appeal the decision. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- The lawsuit has been a 'five-year legal battle'. (Rolling Stone)
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