Federal court allows man to sue Google over AI-generated defamation claims
James Keene, a writer, TV producer and former FBI operative, said Google Search’s AI Overviews returned answers that he had killed three women and was serving a life sentence. In reality Keene served 17 months for a marijuana‑related offense, a story that inspired the Apple TV+ miniseries “Black Bird.” Keene alerted Google that the AI Overviews were defamatory, and court documents show the false…
Key points
- Keene claimed Google AI Overviews falsely said he killed three women and was serving life.
- Court denied two of Google’s dismissal motions, letting Keene amend his defamation complaint.
- Keene seeks at least $250 million; Google argues AI output isn’t factual statements.
Keene filed a defamation lawsuit seeking at least $250 million in damages. Google moved to dismiss, arguing that AI Overviews are not statements of fact and that Keene, as a “limited public figure,” must plausibly plead actual malice. On Monday, a U.S. District Court in Illinois denied two of Google’s dismissal motions and allowed Keene to amend his complaint, effectively permitting the case to proceed.
Google’s AI told lies about this man. He’s going to be allowed to sue.
mercurynews.com · 16 September 2026
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