In a high-stakes legal battle that captivated audiences, the Kardashian-Jenner family emerged victorious in a Los Angeles jury trial against Blac Chyna, also known as Angela White. The lawsuit, alleging defamation and intentional interference with contract, was dismissed, marking a significant win for the celebrity family and their legal team at Cooley LLP. Chyna had sought over $100 million in damages, but the jury sided with the Kardashian-Jenners, underscoring the strength of their defense and the complexities of celebrity litigation.
The legal saga began in 2017, following the cancellation of the reality TV show “Rob & Chyna” on the E! network, which revolved around Chyna’s relationship with Rob Kardashian. Chyna’s lawsuit targeted Kris Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Khloe Kardashian, claiming that their actions led to the show’s demise and damaged her career. She specifically accused the family of spreading false accusations of physical abuse to E! network executives, which she argued directly interfered with her talent agreement and earning potential. This claim formed the basis of her demand for substantial compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $100 million.
The trial, which commenced on April 18th and spanned ten days, became a focal point of media attention due to the celebrity status of the involved parties and the dramatic accusations. The Cooley legal team, led by partners Michael Rhodes and Michelle Doolin, executed a rigorous defense strategy. A key element of their approach was the cross-examination of Blac Chyna, challenging her claims and presenting evidence to counter her allegations. Midway through the proceedings, Judge Gregory W. Alarcon granted a directed verdict in favor of Kim Kardashian on the defamation claim, signaling a weakening of Chyna’s case. After two days of deliberation, the jury delivered a decisive verdict, clearing all four Kardashian-Jenner family members of any wrongdoing and awarding no damages to Chyna. This outcome solidified the Kardashian Family’s position and validated their defense against Chyna’s accusations.
Michael Rhodes, the lead attorney for the Kardashian-Jenner family, has been their principal outside litigation counsel for several years. His extensive experience includes handling a wide array of legal matters for the family, ranging from trade secrets and trademark disputes to employment issues, cryptocurrency matters, and real estate litigation. Furthermore, Rhodes advises the Kardashian-Jenners on various facets of their extensive multi-billion-dollar business ventures and brand management. Michelle Doolin, also a partner at Cooley, has consistently represented the Kardashian-Jenner family in diverse legal contexts, including employment and advertising law, further demonstrating the breadth of Cooley’s legal support for the family.
About Cooley LLP
Cooley LLP is a globally recognized law firm renowned for its expertise in handling transformative deals, complex intellectual property and regulatory challenges, and high-stakes litigation. With a team of 1,500 lawyers operating across 17 offices spanning the United States, Asia, and Europe, Cooley provides comprehensive legal services to clients navigating the intersection of innovation and law. The firm’s success in the Kardashian-Jenner trial further underscores its reputation for effectively representing high-profile clients in complex and highly publicized legal disputes.
