NY Man Sues Kim Kardashian for Mistakenly Identifying Him as a Death Row Inmate

Kim Kardashian is facing a lawsuit after mistakenly identifying a New York man as a Texas death row inmate in a social media post to her 358 million followers. The mix-up has led to accusations of defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy, potentially dragging the reality star into a high-stakes legal battle.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Kardashian's post subjected the plaintiff to “hatred, contempt, and/or ridicule.” The complaint states that the man, Ivan Cantu of Westchester, New York, experienced severe emotional trauma, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and loss of reputation.

What Happened:

• Mistaken Identity: Kardashian intended to highlight the case of Ivan Cantu, a Texas man on death row for the 2000 murders of his cousin and his cousin’s fiancée. However, she accidentally used an image of the New York resident with the same name.

• Impact of the Error: The original post, which urged followers to sign a petition against the execution, displayed the wrong Cantu’s photo alongside a message advocating for the withdrawal of the execution date.

• Legal Claims: The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for libel, slander, negligence, and invasion of privacy.

The man’s attorney, Greg Sobo, condemned the dangers of social media misuse, stating, “For too long, we have seen social media cause devastating injuries to innocent victims.” He emphasized the need for accountability, likening social media harm to physical injury: “Just like those who cause physical harm should be held accountable, those who cause injuries to innocent victims through social media must also be held responsible.”

According to Sobo, the plaintiff is a private family man with two daughters and was grieving a personal loss when Kardashian’s post shattered his privacy. “Mr. Cantu’s privacy was destroyed at a most critical and sensitive time, and he has suffered very real trauma that will last a lifetime,” Sobo said.

Kardashian's legal team, however, appears eager to settle the matter outside of court. Her attorney, Michael Rhodes, acknowledged the mistake and highlighted that the erroneous image was removed almost immediately. “It was a simple mistake,” Rhodes stated. “We would prefer to resolve this matter quickly and amicably, but we are prepared to defend Ms. Kardashian in court if necessary.”

This lawsuit underscores the dangers of social media influence, especially when wielded by celebrities with massive followings. In an age where a single post can reach millions within minutes, the consequences of misinformation are amplified, often with real-world implications for innocent people.

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