A federal judge in Washington State, USA, dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by XRP-related blogger Jake Claver against content creator Zach Rector. The case centered on three videos posted by Rector in 2025, which the court found did not contain false statements constituting defamation.
The case revolves around three videos.
Reports indicate that the controversy centers on Rector’s content targeting Digital Ascension Group and Digital Wealth Partners, both under Claver. The videos in question allege misconduct by the two companies.
Court documents show that these videos rely in part on materials from another lawsuit in New York, filed by payment processing company Verivend Inc. The documents state that Claver admitted in that case to forging emails, wire transfer confirmations, and a screenshot of a “Verivend wallet dashboard” showing a balance of over $1 million.
The court invoked anti-SLAPP laws.
Chief Judge Kymberly K. Evanson granted Rector’s motion under Washington State’s Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, a law commonly regarded as an anti-SLAPP mechanism designed to protect speech on matters of public concern.
The court also dismissed all of Claver’s claims, including allegations of defamation, tortious interference, conspiracy, and breach of contract. The ruling was “without prejudice,” meaning the plaintiff may amend and refile the case.
According to the ruling, Rector is also entitled to recover attorney fees and litigation costs. Claver may file an amended complaint by September 23.
The XRP community has shown a strong reaction.
Rector subsequently confirmed the ruling, stating that the court found no actionable false statements in his video. He also said that this lawsuit targets his right to free speech on matters of public concern.
After the ruling was announced, the XRP community responded strongly on social media. Some users viewed the outcome as support for Rector’s content, while others believed the case sent a clear message that defamation lawsuits should not be used to suppress criticism within the cryptocurrency community.