Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner’s defamation lawsuit against Ray J is moving forward after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge rejected the singer’s attempt to have the case dismissed.

The ruling allows Kardashian and Jenner to continue pursuing claims over public statements they say falsely linked them to a federal racketeering investigation.

Ray J, whose legal name is William Ray Norwood Jr., has argued that his remarks were protected opinions under the First Amendment. His legal team has already indicated that it plans to appeal the decision.

A trial is currently scheduled for May 2028, although Ray J’s attorneys have suggested the appeal could significantly delay or potentially prevent the case from reaching trial.

At the center of the dispute are comments Ray J allegedly made about Kardashian and Jenner that suggested the pair could be connected to a federal racketeering investigation.

He also allegedly compared their conduct to allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs, suggesting what Kardashian and Jenner had done could ultimately be considered worse.

Ray J asked the court to throw out the case, arguing that his statements should be viewed as opinions rather than factual claims.

He also reportedly argued that some of his remarks were made after he mistakenly believed a livestream had ended.

The judge declined to dismiss the lawsuit, finding that at least some of Ray J’s statements could reasonably be interpreted by listeners as assertions of fact.

That distinction could become critical as the case develops. Opinions generally receive broad legal protection, while false statements presented as facts can potentially form the basis of a defamation claim.

The ruling does not mean the court has determined that Ray J defamed Kardashian or Jenner. It only means their lawsuit can continue beyond the dismissal stage.

Ray J’s attorney confirmed that the defense plans to challenge the decision.

“We will promptly appeal the ruling which failed to recognize Ray J’s First Amendment right to publish his opinion about the despicable behavior of Kim Kardashian,” his attorney told TMZ.

The lawyer also claimed that the appeal would freeze the proceedings and cast doubt on whether the currently scheduled 2028 trial would take place.

“It is unlikely there will be a trial in 2028 or ever,” the attorney added.

Whether the appeal ultimately changes the course of the lawsuit remains to be seen.

The case has placed renewed attention on Ray J’s longtime history with Kardashian.

The two dated in the early 2000s, and their relationship has remained part of public conversation for years, particularly because of the release of their infamous sex tape.

Ray J has repeatedly spoken publicly about Kardashian, Jenner and the circumstances surrounding the tape, while Kardashian and her family have disputed several of his claims over the years.

This latest lawsuit, however, centers specifically on statements Kardashian and Jenner say damaged their reputations by presenting serious allegations as fact.

For now, the case remains active while Ray J moves forward with his planned appeal.