grammy award winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion is back in federal court On Friday in Miami, she continues her defamation lawsuit against bloggers she accuses of spreading false AI-generated porn videos.
The artist, whose real name is Megan Peet, testified in cross-examination that the alleged deepfake video had a severe impact on both her mental health and music career. She told the jury that the situation had caused extreme emotional distress and led to the loss of a major professional opportunity.
If the jury rules in her favor, they will be responsible for deciding how much money to award her in damages. Pete also testified that he became very depressed during the ordeal and at one point felt that his life was not worth living.
Inside the 13th floor courtroom of the federal courthouse, Pete claimed the video was shared online by defendant Milagro Cooper, also known as Milagro Gramz. Pete claimed that the distribution of the video caused direct damage to her reputation and career.
One of Pete’s music producers testified that Pete lost out on some big business opportunities. She said in court that she missed out on at least four potential deals worth about $1 million each, which she blamed on Cooper’s actions.
Pete left the court without commenting publicly.
Celebrity YouTuber Lauren Oh, who has been covering the trial since earlier this week, said she believes the online content attributed to Cooper crosses ethical boundaries.
“If you are irresponsible with your reporting, certainly you will face consequences,” she said.
She added that some of the commentary “crossed the line, if not the line of recklessness.”
Pete testified that he was suffering significant emotional distress and sought intensive mental health treatment. She told jurors she completed a four-week treatment program that cost $240,000 while battling feelings of hopelessness.
The lawsuit, filed in October, alleges Cooper intentionally spread false information about Pete in order to support another rapper, Daystar Peterson, better known as Tory Lanez.
Pete and Lanez previously dated. Lanes is currently serving a prison sentence After being found guilty of shooting Pete in the leg in 2020.
During the trial, prosecutors described Cooper as a longtime Lanez supporter online.
As Cooper left court on Friday, CBS News Miami reporter Ivan Taylor asked him if he was willing to respond to the allegations.
“Is there something you’d like to say, Mr. Cooper?” Taylor asked.
Cooper replied, “God bless you. Thank you for coming.”
Cross-examination of Pete is expected to continue on Monday. Mr. Cooper is also scheduled to take the stand. A jury decision in the defamation case could come as early as Tuesday.
