In February 2024, Kim Kardashian, known for her criminal justice reform advocacy, shared a social media post urging support for Ivan “Abner” Cantu, a Texas death row inmate she believed was wrongfully convicted.
However, she mistakenly included a photo of Ivan Cantu, a project manager from New York with no connection to the case. Despite removing the post upon realizing the error, the misidentified Cantu claims he suffered public embarrassment, ridicule, and emotional distress, including sleep loss and PTSD.
He is now suing Kardashian for libel and slander. Kardashian’s attorney, Michael Rhodes, described the incident as a “simple mistake” and expressed a preference to resolve the matter without litigation.
This incident highlights the potential consequences of high-profile advocacy and the importance of accuracy when using influential platforms to address sensitive issues.