A federal jury in Miami has found blogger Milagro “Gramz” Cooper liable for defamation in a lawsuit filed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, awarding damages of $59,000. The jury determined that Cooper had intentionally inflicted emotional distress and promoted a sexually explicit deepfake video of Megan, who lashed out in her testimony, alleging that Cooper acted as a “mouthpiece” for rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez was convicted in December 2022 for shooting Megan in 2020.
The lawsuit claimed that Cooper was involved in a coordinated campaign to harass and defame Megan, disseminating false information and the deepfake video. During the trial, Megan highlighted the emotional toll the harassment took on her, citing lost brand deals as a significant consequence. Cooper’s attorney contended that Megan’s distress stemmed primarily from the shooting incident rather than Cooper’s online actions.
The jury also found Cooper liable for promoting an altered sexual depiction and intentionally inflicting emotional distress. While the initial damages were set at $75,000, U.S. District Court Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga later reduced the total to $59,000. Under Florida law, Cooper may also be liable for Megan’s legal fees, potentially totaling millions.
Megan expressed relief at the verdict, stating her happiness in seeing the legal battle come to an end, while Cooper acknowledged the jury’s decision respectfully. This case highlights the increasing need for accountability regarding harmful online behavior, especially in the context of social media and digital content.
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