California appeals court leans toward upholding dismissal of Jay-Z's lawsuit against attorney Tony Buzbee

Three California appellate judges signalled a tentative intent on 20 August to affirm the dismissal of Jay-Z's extortion and defamation case against attorney Tony Buzbee. Judge Mark H. Epstein tossed the suit in July 2025 on First Amendment grounds, finding a recorded recantation by the anonymous accuser inadmissible hearsay. A written ruling is pending. Jay-Z retains a separate federal malicious prosecution claim.