Overview

• Judge Mark H. Epstein fully dismissed Shawn Carter’s extortion and defamation claims in a 65-page ruling on July 1, citing the absence of any promised criminal referral.
• The court held that settlement letters lacking a clear threat to involve police constitute civil negotiations instead of extortion under California law.
• Carter’s lawyer Alex Spiro announced an immediate appeal, arguing the decision misapplied state law on evidence admissibility.
• Buzbee celebrated the ruling as a “huge win” on social media and said his team will seek attorneys’ fees from Carter.
• Separately, Carter filed a defamation suit in Alabama against the unnamed accuser, alleging a concerted effort to extort him with fabricated assault claims.