LOS ANGELES — Rap mogul Jay-Z scored another legal victory on Friday after a federal judge in California denied an emergency restraining order request filed by Lillie Coley, the godmother of the man who claims to be his biological son. The ruling paves the way for Jay-Z to pursue sanctions against Coley over what his lawyers have called “decades-long harassment.”
U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett rejected Coley’s petition, in which she alleged that Jay-Z’s legal team was targeting her for supporting Rymir Satterthwaite, who insists that the billionaire rapper is his father. The judge found no sufficient legal grounds for the emergency order, ruling that Coley’s claims failed to meet the high standard required for immediate court intervention.
The decision marks the latest twist in a long-running legal saga that has stretched across several states and courts. Coley, who once served as Satterthwaite’s guardian after his mother’s death, has accused Jay-Z of using his influence and resources to avoid DNA testing. Jay-Z, through his attorneys, has repeatedly dismissed the allegations as baseless and an attempt to harass him.
Friday’s ruling allows Jay-Z’s legal team to move forward with a sanctions hearing against Coley, who has filed multiple unsuccessful claims in both New Jersey and California over the years. In 2022, a New Jersey judge barred Coley and Satterthwaite from filing further paternity-related suits without prior court approval, citing a pattern of meritless litigation.
Coley had sought to pause the sanctions proceedings, arguing that she was being punished for her advocacy. However, Judge Garnett concluded that the request lacked legal merit.
The case has drawn renewed public attention in recent months after rapper Nicki Minaj expressed support for Satterthwaite. Using her social media platforms, Minaj accused Jay-Z of “trying to silence” the young man and claimed that Beyoncé was allegedly preventing her husband from acknowledging him. Minaj further alleged that Jay-Z had interfered in her career — claims for which no evidence has been provided.
Despite Minaj’s outspoken backing, Coley’s motion failed, solidifying Jay-Z’s latest courtroom win in a series of legal battles that have persisted for more than a decade.
Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, has not publicly commented on the case, but his attorneys have maintained that the allegations are “completely unfounded.” The court is expected to move forward with the sanctions hearing in the coming weeks, signalling what could be the closing chapter of one of the entertainment industry’s most persistent and controversial paternity disputes.
