Megan Thee Stallion Reacts to Defamation Case Win

After a trial that delved into the complex worlds of AI, deepfakes, and the profound emotional toll they can take, Megan Thee Stallion has emerged victorious. A Miami jury found online personality Milagro Cooper, also known as “Milagro Gramz,” liable for defaming the Grammy-winning artist.

A Verdict of Vindication

The core of the case revolved around Cooper’s alleged promotion of a sexually explicit deepfake video of Megan, which was reportedly coordinated with Tory Lanez. This act caused significant emotional distress to the rapper. While the jury initially awarded Megan $75,000 in damages, U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga later adjusted the award to $59,000.

Outside the courtroom, a visibly relieved Megan Thee Stallion told photographers, “I’m just happy.” This sentiment reflects the vindication she felt after the jury’s decision, bringing a conclusion to a case that highlighted the damaging effects of online misinformation and harassment.

The Deepfake Controversy and Its Impact

Megan sued Cooper in 2024, alleging she acted as a “mouthpiece” and “paid surrogate” for Tory Lanez following Megan’s testimony in the 2023 trial where Lanez was accused of shooting her. Megan contended that while Cooper didn’t create the deepfake, she amplified it by liking the video on her X account and directing her followers to it.

The impact of this campaign was severe. Megan’s former manager testified that she underwent extensive therapy, costing up to $240,000, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Legal teams confirmed these claims, underscoring the deep psychological harm caused by the deepfake and the ongoing harassment.

Missed Opportunities and Legal Ramifications

The harassment campaign also had professional repercussions. Roc Nation’s Senior VP of Branding & Strategic Partnerships testified that Megan “could not capitalize on opportunities as she was unable to be fully present in her career.” High-profile deals, including one with Activision for “Call of Duty” where she would have been a playable character, were lost. Ultimately, that opportunity went to Nicki Minaj.

Meanwhile, Tory Lanez, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for the shooting, was also fined $20,000 for “obstruction” related to the Cooper lawsuit. He faces a restraining order keeping him away from Megan until January 2030.