Kim Kardashian is saving a man from the massive six-figure debt he owed her after he sued her over an Instagram mix-up! According to a new report, the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star extended grace to a man whom a federal judge demanded pay her nearly $170,000 in legal fees.
Kim, 45, has reportedly agreed not to collect a whopping $167,000 debt owed to her from a man named Ivan Cantu. According to TMZ, Cantu filed a shocking lawsuit against the mother of four back in 2024 after she wrongly shared his image on her Instagram account.
At the time, Kim, a hopeful lawyer, was advocating for an inmate with the same name to be taken off death row. Kim posted a photo of the wrong Cantu to her Instagram, writing, “THE STATE WILL EXECUTE IVAN CANTU IN 2 DAYS.”
Cantu was furious over the social media mishap and sued the “Kardashians” star. Cantu requested that Kim compensate him for the alleged damages caused to his reputation. Kim, of course, denied wrongdoing and deleted the photo almost immediately after learning of her mistake.
Kim Kardashian’s Rep Speaks After She Shows Grace To Man Over Six-Figure Debt
A judge sided with Kim and dismissed all of Cantu’s claims against her. The judge also ordered Cantu to pay Kim’s $167,000 legal bill.
Cantu was dismayed by the judgment, reportedly telling the reality star and businesswoman’s team that there was no way he could afford to pay the six-figure debt.
Thankfully for Cantu, Kim extended grace, agreeing to put the debt aside, while her representative slammed the New York resident for filing the lawsuit in the first place.
“This is a lawsuit that should never have been filed. The Court agreed and threw it out and ordered that [Cantu] pay Kim’s legal fees. Kim agreed to waive those fees and so [Ivan] has dismissed his case with prejudice,” they told TMZ.
Kim Kardashian Was Accused Of Invasion Of Privacy
In Cantu’s original lawsuit, he accused Kim of invasion of privacy along with a slew of other serious civil allegations, including emotional distress, libel, and slander.
Cantu’s original filing called Kim’s 2024 Instagram post “clearly untrue, erroneous, unfounded, shocking, scandalous, degrading, disgraceful, and/or shameful,” according to USA Today.
One of Cantu’s lawyers also commented on the matter, saying Kim had an obligation to use her platform responsibly.
“Social media is a powerful force. It can be used for good: to spark social change, to warn of danger, and to foster relationships. But, when abused, social media can also inflict pain, suffering, and tragedy,” they stated.
According to Cantu’s legal representative, Kim’s post “defamed his reputation” and cast a bright light on his personal life. “As a result of the Kardashian abuse, Mr. Cantu’s privacy was destroyed at a most critical and sensitive time, and he has suffered very real trauma that will last a lifetime,” they continued.
Kim Initially Responded To Cantu’s Suit And Claimed He Was Attempting To ‘Cash In On A Mistake’
Over the years, Kim has used her public platform to advocate for criminal justice reform and to highlight individuals and inmates she feels were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.
Her work has inspired her to pursue a career as a lawyer, leading her to take the bar exam once and the baby bar four times.
Kim’s lawyer initially responded to Cantu’s lawsuit and explained that the A-lister has spent a considerable amount of time telling the stories of individuals who didn’t have the chance to share them themselves, such as the Cantu who was executed by the state of Texas in February 2024.
Kim also broke her silence, slamming Cantu’s lawsuit and calling it an attempt to “cash in on a mistake.” She explained that over eight years, she’s used her various resources and celebrity status to “advocate for criminal justice reform and a fairer legal system.”
Why Did Kim Want To Help Cantu?
Kim said that her recent advocacy was born from a natural desire to help others and to use her voice to “fight for people” who were less fortunate.
She went on to say that she engages in this type of advocacy not for monetary gain, but because she’s passionate about it.
“I was moved by Mr. Cantu’s story and his steadfast claim of innocence. I was also troubled by what I understood to be serious problems with Mr. Cantu’s conviction,” she added.
