Kim Kardashian Seeks $145,000 in Legal Fees After Lawsuit Loss

Kim Kardashian has formally requested that Ivan Cantu, the man who unsuccessfully sued her for alleged emotional distress, pay her legal fees amounting to $145,000. The reality television star filed court documents on December 16, 2023, following a judge’s ruling that dismissed all of Cantu’s claims against her in mid-November.

Kardashian, whose net worth is estimated at over $1 billion, engaged high-profile legal representation to defend herself against the lawsuit. Her primary attorney, Emil Petrossian, charged $900 per hour, a reduction from his usual fee of $1,100 per hour. Another associate, Alina Gatto, billed at $600 per hour. As of now, the judge has not ruled on Kardashian’s request.

Cantu, based in New York, initiated his lawsuit in February 2024, claiming that Kardashian erroneously posted his image on social media when she intended to share photos of another individual with the same name. This other Ivan Cantu was convicted of murder and executed on February 28, 2024. Kardashian had publicly voiced her support for the prisoner, drawing attention to alleged flaws in his conviction.

In her legal response, Kardashian asserted that the lawsuit was without merit. She contended her team recognized the mistake shortly after the post was made and acted swiftly to delete it. Kardashian also expressed regret for any distress caused, stating that she had apologized to Cantu for the error.

The lawsuit claimed that the misuse of Cantu’s image led to emotional distress and sleep disruption, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. Kardashian, on the other hand, argued that the lawsuit represented an attempt to exploit a mistake that occurred while she was exercising her rights to free speech and advocacy.

Kardashian emphasized her commitment to criminal justice reform, stating, “Over the past eight years, I have used my resources and public platform to advocate for criminal justice reform and a fairer legal system.” She expanded on her motivation to assist the imprisoned man, saying, “I was moved by Mr. Cantu’s story and his steadfast claim of innocence.”

The reality star’s declaration included a clear statement regarding the unintended use of Cantu’s photograph. “The use of Plaintiff’s image in the February 26 Story was a mistake and was not done intentionally,” she noted. She further clarified that she would not have used his image had she known it was not related to the case she was advocating.

Kardashian’s legal struggles do not end with this case, as she is also engaged in a separate legal battle with her ex-partner, Ray J.