Mariah Carey Wins Dismissal As Judge Rejects Brother’s Film-Loss Claim

Mariah Carey won dismissal of her brother’s memoir suit after a judge found key gaps in his claims. That includes his claim of more than $1.5 million in lost film work.

Judge Leslie A. Stroth threw out Morgan Carey’s latest complaint. The 11-page decision was filed Monday, October 19. The order was signed October 9. It concerns his claims over her 2020 book, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey.”

Morgan sued in March 2021, saying parts of the book harmed his reputation and cost him work. The latest ruling faults his claims about Mariah’s state of mind. It also finds gaps in his claim of lost film work.

The case falls under New York’s anti-SLAPP law. It protects speech on matters of public interest. Morgan had to meet the “actual malice” test. He had to plead facts showing Mariah knew a statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

“Notably, Plaintiff fails to provide any proof that Defendant made such statements with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth,” Judge Stroth wrote.

The judge also found that claims of ill will toward her brother did not meet that test. Morgan had argued that Mariah put book sales ahead of checking her sources. The court found his claims fell short.

The film dispute gave the judge a second reason to reject parts of his case.

Morgan said he and his wife wrote a script called “Devil’s Hollow.” He claimed a producer in Italy backed a film franchise. The plan called for a movie, a prequel, a sequel and a spinoff series. He said the producer pulled out after learning about the memoir. A deal was still being drafted, in Morgan’s account.

He claimed more than $1.5 million in losses from the canceled project and the wider franchise. But he still hadn’t laid out the deal’s terms or an exact sum for his loss, the judge found.

Judge Stroth wrote: “However, Plaintiff still fails to detail the terms of the agreement and fails to quantify the specific amount of damages suffered beyond the general, ‘in excess of $1.5 million.'”

The order directs court clerks to enter judgment. It also denied Morgan’s bid to lift a pause on discovery as moot.

Mariah’s lawyer, John Rosenberg, told Billboard she welcomed the ruling. He said she views it as a win for authors who speak on matters of public concern.

Morgan’s lawyer, Richard Altman, told the outlet he plans to appeal. He said the decision conflicts with earlier rulings in the case.