Mariah Carey’s brother, Morgan Carey, has entered into a contentious legal battle with the pop star, claiming that she and their mother conspired to tarnish his reputation. The latest developments in this family feud reveal deep-seated allegations and a complex web of accusations.
On March 20, 2025, Morgan, 60, filed a request in court to amend his existing lawsuit against Mariah, 56, for intentional infliction of emotional distress. This comes after he claims to have discovered new “false, disparaging and defamatory” statements made by Mariah, including some he found on YouTube. According to reports from In Touch Weekly, Morgan asserts that Mariah never contacted him for his side of the story regarding her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, which was released in 2020.
In his original lawsuit filed in 2021, Morgan claimed that Mariah depicted him as a violent drug dealer in her autobiography, asserting that the portrayal was both inaccurate and damaging to his reputation. He took particular issue with her allegations that he had been physically abusive towards their mother and father during their childhood. Morgan has consistently denied these claims, insisting he was never a drug dealer and did not engage in violent behavior.
Mariah, on her part, has dismissed Morgan’s allegations, asserting that her statements about him are “true or substantially true.” She argued that their mother had informed her that Morgan was involved in drug dealing, a claim she described as “inner-circle common knowledge” at the time. In a declaration, she noted, “I would describe it as inner-circle common knowledge at the time that [Morgan] was heavily involved in the Manhattan nightlife scene and that he often was in possession of cocaine and provided it to members of the nightlife crowd that he associated with.”
The legal drama intensified when Morgan added a new passage from Mariah’s memoir to his amended complaint. This excerpt detailed an incident from 1980 where Mariah claimed Morgan accepted money from a woman to kill her husband but did not follow through. According to the memoir, Morgan’s testimony was pivotal in the woman’s murder conviction. Morgan refuted this, stating he voluntarily testified and was not compelled to do so.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Morgan has also raised concerns about a YouTube documentary titled Morgan Carey: A Deep Dive Into Mariah Carey’s Disturbing Older Brother, which he claims was created by a fan under Mariah’s influence. He alleges that the video, which has garnered 220,000 views, further damaged his reputation by reiterating the claims made in Mariah’s memoir.
In the documentary, Mariah is quoted saying, “They had the audacity to throw me into institutions, give me drugs and try to take control of my life.” Morgan interprets this statement as a direct accusation against him and their mother, Patricia, asserting that it falsely implies they attempted to institutionalize Mariah to seize control of her finances. He contends, “Neither Morgan nor his mother ever attempted anything so outrageous and criminal as this. The accusation is a vicious lie.”
In his latest legal filing, Morgan is seeking $40 million in damages and profits from Mariah’s book, following the dismissal of 14 out of the 16 claims in his original lawsuit. This ongoing legal battle has not only revealed the tumultuous relationship between the siblings but also highlighted the personal struggles they have faced, particularly in light of the recent loss of their mother and sister, Alison, in August 2024.
Mariah publicly expressed her grief over the loss, stating, “My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day.” This tragic event has cast a shadow over the ongoing legal disputes, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the already fraught family dynamics.
As the case unfolds, it raises questions about the impact of familial relationships on personal reputations and the lengths to which individuals will go to defend themselves against perceived injustices. Morgan’s claims against Mariah are not just about money; they are also about restoring his name and seeking vindication in the face of what he describes as a concerted effort to destroy his reputation.
With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, the legal proceedings are likely to continue drawing public attention, particularly given the high-profile nature of the parties involved. As Morgan pursues his claims, the outcome will not only affect their personal lives but could also have broader implications for how celebrity narratives are constructed and contested in the public sphere.
In the end, this saga is more than just a legal dispute; it’s a reflection of the complexities of family loyalty, the scars of childhood, and the quest for truth amidst a backdrop of fame and fortune. As the court dates approach, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how this family drama unfolds.
