Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner have firmly denied under oath that they orchestrated or intentionally released a 2007 sex tape featuring Kardashian and singer Ray J, calling the allegations "a lie" and "absolutely false" in sworn declarations filed this week amid an escalating defamation lawsuit.

Kim Kardashian was married to Kayne West at the time
AFP

The mother-daughter duo submitted the statements Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, directly addressing claims Ray J made in his countersuit that they conspired to leak the footage as a publicity stunt to launch the Kardashian brand. The tape, leaked by adult film distributor Vivid Entertainment in 2007, became a pivotal moment in propelling "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" to global fame the following year.

Kardashian, 45, described Ray J's accusations as outright fabrication. "His claim that I had a plan with my mother and others to release a sex tape, defraud the public and file a 'fake' lawsuit against the porn company that released it to 'create buzz' is a lie," she stated in the declaration, obtained by multiple outlets including People and TMZ. She added that she has incurred significant expenses combating the persistent rumors and protecting her reputation and well-being.

Jenner, 70, the family's longtime manager, echoed the denial with emotional force. "As a mother, the notion that I orchestrated or produced sex tapes involving my daughter, or was in any way involved in the creation or distribution of any sex tapes, is not only entirely untrue but deeply offensive and harmful and has haunted me for decades," she wrote. She called allegations of her role in the tape's "commercial exploitation" "absolutely false" and denied encouraging, assisting or deciding on the release of any such recording.

The filings mark the latest development in a legal battle that began in October 2025 when Kardashian and Jenner sued Ray J, whose legal name is William Ray Norwood Jr., for defamation. They accused him of falsely claiming on social media that they were under federal investigation for racketeering related to the tape and other matters. Ray J countersued, alleging the Kardashians violated a prior settlement agreement from the original tape dispute and spent years lying about its origins.

Ray J swiftly responded to the new declarations, accusing Kardashian and Jenner of perjury. Speaking to TMZ on March 12, he claimed he was present during discussions involving Kardashian, Jenner and Vivid executives where the release was allegedly planned. "Are [Kim & Kris] out of their fucking minds?" he said. "The fact of the matter is, if you lie like that under oath, don't you go to jail? Don't you get fined?" His attorney echoed the perjury charge, calling the statements fabrications.

The dispute revives a conspiracy theory that has circulated for nearly two decades: that the tape's leak was a calculated move by Kris Jenner to catapult her daughters to stardom. Proponents point to the rapid timing — the tape surfaced months before the E! reality series premiered — and Jenner's reputation as a savvy manager who turned family drama into media gold. Skeptics and legal experts note that Vivid acquired the rights independently after Ray J provided the footage, and a 2007 settlement allowed its distribution with Kardashian receiving a share of profits.

Court records show Kardashian sued Vivid in 2007 to block the release but later settled, reportedly earning millions. Ray J has long maintained he did not intend for public distribution and has accused the family of profiting unfairly. In recent years, he has amplified claims on podcasts and Instagram Live, including assertions of racketeering that prompted the initial defamation suit.

The ongoing litigation highlights the enduring impact of the 2007 incident on the Kardashian-Jenner empire. What began as a private video between then-partners exploded into a cultural phenomenon, fueling tabloid coverage, reality TV success and Kardashian's transformation into a billionaire entrepreneur with brands like SKIMS and KKW Beauty (now defunct). Critics argue the tape's notoriety provided an unfair boost; supporters credit Jenner's business acumen for capitalizing on inevitable publicity.

Public reaction remains polarized. Social media commentary on platforms like Reddit and X reflects divided opinions, with some users dismissing Ray J's claims as attention-seeking while others question the family's narrative. The case has drawn renewed scrutiny to celebrity sex tapes and consent in the digital age.

As proceedings continue, both sides appear entrenched. Kardashian and Jenner seek to quash what they call baseless defamation harming their reputations, while Ray J pushes for accountability over alleged misrepresentations. Legal analysts predict potential depositions or settlement talks, though the public nature of the filings suggests prolonged drama.

The declarations represent the most direct, on-the-record rebuttal from Kardashian and Jenner to date. Whether they sway the court or public opinion remains uncertain, but the episode underscores how a nearly 20-year-old scandal continues to shape narratives around fame, family and media manipulation.

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