Floyd Mayweather Jr. Launches $100 Million Lawsuit Against Business Insider for Alleged Defamation
Floyd Mayweather Jr., the renowned boxing champion, has taken a significant legal step by filing a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Business Insider, its parent company, Insider Inc., and journalist Daniel Geiger. The filing was made in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on May 2, 2025. This lawsuit arises from allegations that Geiger published an article that misrepresented Mayweather's business dealings and included defamatory statements that could significantly tarnish his reputation.
The crux of the lawsuit centers around an article titled "Floyd Mayweather Jr. bragged about a $400 million property deal. There's just one problem," which Mayweather claims was published despite his team providing ample documentation to prove the accuracy of his real estate holdings. According to the lawsuit, Mayweather asserts that Geiger disregarded legitimate evidence of his successful investments. Instead, the reporter relied on unnamed sources and provided insinuations that contributed to a narrative damaging to Mayweather's reputation.
Additionally, the lawsuit details a pattern of harassment allegedly perpetrated by Geiger. It includes accusations of relentless phone calls to Mayweather's acquaintances—sometimes late at night—along with racially charged comments that suggested Mayweather was incompetent in managing his real estate ventures. This aspect of the case highlights broader issues of racial bias, particularly in how media representations can unfairly portray public figures of color.
Mayweather's attorney, Bobby Samini, emphasized that this legal action aims not only to clear Mayweather's name but also to ensure that media outlets are held accountable for their reporting standards. Samini stated, “Floyd Mayweather earned his legacy through discipline and hard work, both in and out of the ring. This lawsuit isn't just about setting the record straight — it's about holding the press accountable when they cross the line from journalism into calculated character assassination.”
The lawsuit specifically alleges three causes of action: defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and prima facie tort. Mayweather is seeking compensatory damages, a formal retraction of the article, and injunctive relief to prevent further dissemination of false information.
As Mayweather continues to navigate this legal battle, the case stands as a reminder of the power of media narratives and their potential impact on individual lives, particularly for those in the public eye. The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant implications, not only for Mayweather but also for how journalism practices are scrutinized, especially concerning issues of bias and ethical reporting.
The filed complaint of this case is available for public viewing, offering insights into the specifics of Mayweather's claims against Business Insider. As developments unfold, the sports and media industries will undoubtedly be watching closely, recognizing the potential ramifications this case might have on future media practices and standards of conduct in the realm of sports journalism. These proceedings highlight the critical balance between freedom of the press and the responsibility to report fairly and accurately.