Kim Kardashian Wins $167K Legal Fees from Man Whose Photo She Mistakenly Posted
A judge in California has mandated that Ivan Cantu from New York compensate Kim Kardashian with over $167,000 in legal expenses following his lawsuit against her for an erroneous Instagram post. In February 2024, Kardashian posted a story featuring Cantu, mistakenly identifying him as a Texas death row inmate who was executed on February 28, 2024. The image was actually of another Ivan Cantu residing in New York. Cantu initiated legal action in February 2025, claiming emotional distress and damage to his reputation. Kardashian countered with an anti-SLAPP motion, asserting the error was accidental and the post was live for only a few hours. The court dismissed the case, and on Monday, Judge Michael C. Small ordered Cantu to pay $167,000 of the requested $186,320, citing excessive fees. Cantu's claims of financial hardship were deemed irrelevant by the judge.
Key facts
- Kim Kardashian posted a photo of the wrong Ivan Cantu on Instagram in February 2024.
- The post was meant to raise awareness about Texas death row inmate Ivan Cantu.
- The incorrect photo was of a different Ivan Cantu living in New York.
- The real Ivan Cantu was executed on February 28, 2024.
- Cantu sued Kardashian in February 2025 for emotional distress and reputational harm.
- Kardashian filed an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
- A California judge dismissed the lawsuit and ordered Cantu to pay legal fees.
- The judge reduced the fee award from $186,320 to over $167,000.
- Cantu argued he would be financially ruined, but the judge said income disparities are irrelevant.
- Judge Michael C. Small presided over the case.
Entities
Artists
- Kim Kardashian
Institutions
- Skims
- MyNewsLA
- Los Angeles Superior Court
Locations
- New York
- Texas
- California