Kim Kardashian Gets Trial Date for Defamation Lawsuit, But Ray J's Claims Sent to Arbitration

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner achieved a significant legal milestone Friday when Los Angeles County Judge Steven A. Ellis established a trial date for their defamation case against Ray J while directing his breach of contract claims to private arbitration.

The prominent mother-daughter duo initiated legal action in October 2025, alleging that Ray J (William Ray Norwood Jr.) engaged in malicious defamation during a 2025 TMZ interview and subsequent livestream. During these appearances, Norwood suggested that Kardashian and Jenner were subjects of, or should face, a federal racketeering investigation. Norwood has categorically denied acting with malice and responded with his own cross-complaint on November 13, 2025, alleging breach of a settlement agreement.

Settlement Agreement at Center of Dispute

The core of Norwood's claims involves an April 2023 settlement agreement that contained a comprehensive non-disparagement clause. This agreement emerged following statements Kardashian made during a 2022 episode of The Kardashians, where she accused Norwood of sexual assault, revenge porn distribution, and attempted extortion. Under the terms of the resulting settlement, Kardashian agreed to pay $6 million and committed to avoiding further public references to their sex tape on the reality show.

According to Norwood's cross-complaint, Kardashian and Jenner—alongside Kanye West and Kendall Jenner—violated this agreement within a month of its execution by discussing the tape on another The Kardashians episode. When Norwood notified them of what he considered a material breach, the family reportedly responded that the agreement didn't apply to Season Three, as filming had occurred before the contract's effective date.

Competing Legal Arguments Presented

During Friday's hearing, Norwood's attorney Heather Pickerell argued for comprehensive arbitration coverage. "Plaintiffs can't be allowed to circumvent a non-disparagement clause by cloaking their claim as a defamation claim," Pickerell contended. "This is a unique agreement that was explicitly written so that it would govern all disputes… The agreement really does embrace all future disputes between the parties."

Kardashian and Jenner's counsel, Alex Bergjans, distinguished between the different legal standards at play. "A non-disparagement claim under the contract doesn't require falsity. A defamation claim does require falsity," he explained, "which is why one can file a defamation claim in court but also seek breach of non-disparagement in private arbitration."

Judge Rules in Favor of Kardashians

Following oral arguments and additional deliberation, Judge Ellis delivered a ruling favorable to the Kardashian camp.

"The obligation not to defame [Kardashian and Jenner], and the obligation not to make public statements that place [them] in a false light, exist entirely independently from both the agreement and the relationship created by the agreement," Judge Ellis wrote in his decision. "The court grants the motion of plaintiffs Kimberly Kardashian and Kris Jenner to compel arbitration of defendant's cross-complaint."

The court established a post-arbitration status conference for February 9, 2027, and set the trial date for the defamation lawsuit for March 6, 2028. Norwood's lead attorney Howard King had not responded to requests for comment as of late Friday.

Historical Context

The legal dispute stems from Norwood and Kardashian's early 2000s relationship and a sex tape recorded in 2003. Vivid Entertainment released the video in 2007, claiming legal acquisition from a third party. The tape's release notably coincided with the premiere of Keeping Up With the Kardashians on E! Network in 2007, marking the beginning of the family's reality television prominence.