Floyd Mayweather Jr. Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Business Insider

May 6, 2026, 15:39

Introduction

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has decided to end a $100 million defamation lawsuit against the publication Business Insider and journalist Daniel Geiger.

Main Body

The legal case began in May 2025 in a New York federal court. The dispute started after a March 2025 report by Daniel Geiger, which claimed there was no clear evidence that Mayweather had bought a group of 62 buildings in Manhattan. Mayweather had previously described this as a $400 million investment. He argued that the report was part of a targeted campaign to harass him, based on racial bias and a desire to damage his business success. Furthermore, he emphasized that the journalist refused to look at documents that proved the transactions were real. In response, Business Insider asserted that the claims had no basis in fact. They argued that Mayweather failed to prove 'actual malice,' which is a necessary legal requirement for a defamation case. This approach is similar to a 2022 case involving Dave Portnoy, which also ended in a dismissal. On May 4, 2026, both sides agreed to a voluntary dismissal. Consequently, this means the case is closed permanently and cannot be filed again. Both parties have agreed to pay their own legal fees, and all other related claims have been cancelled.

Conclusion

The legal battle has ended with the permanent dismissal of all claims and counterclaims.

Learning

⚡️ The 'Connective Leap': Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

At the A2 level, we often glue sentences together with simple words like and, but, or so. To reach B2, you need to use 'Logical Connectors.' These are words that tell the reader exactly how two ideas relate to each other.

Look at these three power-words from the text:

Furthermore $\rightarrow$ Used when you are adding a second, stronger point to an argument.
- Text example: "...targeted campaign to harass him... Furthermore, he emphasized..."
- B2 Logic: Don't just say "And also." Use "Furthermore" to sound professional and persuasive.
Consequently $\rightarrow$ Used to show a direct, official result of an action.
- Text example: "...agreed to a voluntary dismissal. Consequently, this means the case is closed..."
- B2 Logic: Instead of "So," use "Consequently" when the result is a logical conclusion or a legal fact.
In response $\rightarrow$ Used to transition from one person's claim to another person's reaction.
- Text example: "In response, Business Insider asserted..."
- B2 Logic: This creates a 'bridge' between two opposing sides, making your writing flow like a professional report rather than a list of facts.

🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: From 'Basic' to 'B2'

Stop using simple verbs. The text uses High-Impact Verbs that change the tone of the story:

A2 Word (Simple)	B2 Word (Advanced)	Why it's better
Said	Asserted	It sounds more confident and official.
Said/Told	Emphasized	It shows the person is putting stress on a specific point.
Stopped/Ended	Dismissed	This is the specific term for ending a legal case.

Pro Tip: When you describe a fight or a disagreement, don't just call it a "problem." Call it a "dispute". It transforms your English from 'conversational' to 'academic' instantly.

Vocabulary Learning

defamation (n.)

the act of damaging someone's reputation by making false statements

Example:He filed a defamation lawsuit after the article spread false rumors about him.

federal (adj.)

relating to the national government, especially in a country with powers divided between a central authority and constituent units

Example:The case was heard in a federal court in New York.

dispute (n.)

a disagreement or argument between people or groups

Example:Their dispute over the contract lasted for months.

claim (n.)

a statement that something is true, often without proof

Example:She made a claim that the product was defective.

evidence (n.)

information or facts that help prove something

Example:The judge looked at all the evidence before deciding.

investment (n.)

money or resources put into something with the expectation of profit

Example:He described the purchase as a $400 million investment.

targeted (adj.)

specifically aimed at a particular person or group

Example:The campaign was a targeted effort to influence voters.

campaign (n.)

a series of actions designed to achieve a particular goal

Example:They launched a campaign to raise awareness about climate change.

harass (v.)

to bother or upset someone repeatedly

Example:The emails were intended to harass the employee.

bias (n.)

a preference or inclination that prevents objective judgment

Example:The article showed a clear bias against the company.

malice (n.)

intention to do harm or cause injury

Example:The court found no evidence of malice in the statements.

requirement (n.)

something that must be done or fulfilled

Example:Meeting the deadline is a requirement for the project.

dismissal (n.)

the act of ending or rejecting a case or claim

Example:The judge ordered the dismissal of the lawsuit.

voluntary (adj.)

done by choice, not forced

Example:They reached a voluntary agreement to settle.

permanent (adj.)

lasting for a very long time or forever

Example:The decision was a permanent change to the policy.

fees (n.)

payments made for services or professional work

Example:Both parties agreed to pay their own legal fees.

cancelled (v.)

to stop or end something that was planned

Example:The event was cancelled due to bad weather.

counterclaims (n.)

claims made in response to another claim

Example:The defendant filed counterclaims against the plaintiff.