Court Dismisses Morgan Carey's $20M Defamation Suit Against Mariah Carey

Key points

• Justice Leslie A. Stroth of the New York State Supreme Court dismissed all remaining claims in Morgan Carey’s lawsuit on October 19, 2026.
• The lawsuit, filed in May 2021, alleged that Mariah Carey defamed her brother by portraying him as violent and accusing him of trafficking cocaine in her bestselling memoir.
• The court found that Morgan failed to meet the 'actual malice' standard required under New York anti-SLAPP laws for defamation cases involving public figures.
• Mariah’s attorney, John Rosenberg, stated that the singer is 'gratified' by the ruling and believes it confirms broad protection for authors addressing issues of public concern.
• Morgan’s attorney, Richard Altman, announced plans to appeal the decision, claiming it is inconsistent with prior rulings in the case.

Background

The legal dispute began in May 2021, shortly after 'The Meaning of Mariah Carey' reached the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Morgan Carey initially alleged defamation in eight sections of the book, including claims that he sold 'powdered party favors' (cocaine) and had 'sketchy contacts in the music industry.' In 2022, Judge Barbara Jaffe dismissed many of these claims but allowed two specific allegations to proceed. After Judge Jaffe retired, the case was reassigned to Justice Stroth, who ultimately dismissed the entire suit in October 2026 based on the failure to prove actual malice.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter emphasized the finality of the dismissal and the legal precedent regarding public interest, highlighting Mariah’s attorney’s statement that the decision protects authors. Billboard provided the most detailed procedural history, noting that the case had been mired in litigation for years and that the new judge focused specifically on the 'actual malice' standard, which had not been the primary focus of the initial 2022 motion to dismiss. All three outlets reported that Morgan’s legal team plans to appeal, with Rolling Stone and The Hollywood Reporter quoting his attorney’s disagreement with the ruling, while Billboard noted the specific legal threshold that was not met.

Why it matters

The dismissal establishes a significant legal precedent in New York regarding the protection of authors and public figures from defamation suits based on memoirs or public commentary. By requiring proof of 'actual malice'—knowing falsity or reckless disregard for the truth—the ruling reinforces that public figures must meet a higher burden of proof to succeed in defamation claims, potentially shielding other celebrities and writers from similar lawsuits over personal narratives.

What to watch

Morgan Carey’s attorney, Richard Altman, has stated that he intends to appeal the dismissal 'very soon.' The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the case returns to the courts or if the matter is finally closed. No further legal action from Mariah Carey is expected at this time.