Floyd Mayweather Jr. has filed a significant $100 million defamation lawsuit against Business Insider and its reporter, Daniel Gager, following an article that questioned the legitimacy of his recent real estate dealings. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, stems from Gager’s reporting, which claimed there was no evidence of a $400 million deal involving Mayweather with Black Spruce Capital, a transaction that the boxing champion publicly discussed.
In a recent interview, Mayweather expressed his frustration with the media’s portrayal of him and his business ventures. He accused Gager of harassment, stating that the reporter had made hundreds of intrusive phone calls to him and his family, contributing to a long-standing pattern of negative reporting that he believes is racially biased. Mayweather emphasized that the media have often misjudged him based on his public persona, particularly during fight promotions, and he called for a more nuanced understanding of his character and business acumen.
The lawsuit alleges that Gager has engaged in a “campaign of harassment and defamation,” claiming the reporting is not only misleading but also motivated by a bias against Mayweather’s success. It argues that Gager refused to review documentation that could have verified the legitimacy of the real estate deals in question, thereby undermining Mayweather’s business reputation. The suit asserts that Gager’s actions have caused Mayweather substantial harm, including lost leasing opportunities and emotional distress.
Mayweather, who has never previously sued a media outlet, stated that this lawsuit is about protecting his reputation and that of his family. He claimed that the damages from false reporting extend beyond personal affronts, affecting his business dealings, which he estimates could involve billions of dollars. He is seeking a public retraction from Business Insider, as well as a court ruling to prevent further harassment from Gager.
In response to rumors stemming from the article suggesting that he is bankrupt, Mayweather dismissed such claims, asserting his financial stability with ownership of multiple properties and private jets. He commented that if living with such assets constitutes bankruptcy, many would aspire to that lifestyle.
The lawsuit highlights the tension between high-profile public figures and media outlets, particularly regarding how narratives are shaped around their business ventures. Mayweather’s legal team is prepared to fight the allegations presented by Business Insider, which has previously faced scrutiny for its reporting practices. As this case unfolds, it raises important questions about journalistic integrity and the responsibility of media outlets to report accurately and fairly on their subjects.