“YOU WERE BEATEN — PAY NOW!” Coco Gauff Sues Karoline Leavitt and Media Network for $50 Million After Shocking On-Air Attack

Tennis star Coco Gauff is taking legal action — she has filed a $50 million lawsuit against commentator Karoline Leavitt and the media network that aired a contentious interview, claiming defamation, emotional distress, and racial harassment.

What started as a routine TV segment turned into a headline-making moment when Leavitt unexpectedly challenged Gauff on live air. Instead of discussing her training or recent tournaments, Leavitt accused her of hypocrisy — calling out Gauff for representing fairness while, according to Leavitt, being upheld by the same systems Gauff criticizes.

Gauff held her ground. With grace and strength she responded, “You can try to tear me down, but I rise every time. On the court. In life. And here.”

According to the lawsuit, the interview was orchestrated to provoke, embarrass, and degrade Gauff in front of a live audience. Her team says it caused harm not only to her reputation, but to her mental well-being and subjected her family to online abuse.

Support has poured in. Fellow athletes, fans, and public figures are speaking out. Many are calling this a pivotal moment for how athletes — especially women of color — are treated in media settings.