This case was last updated from U.S. District Courts on 10/03/2025 at 18:27:45 (UTC).

Brian McKnight v. Jacquelyn Wright et al

Case Summary

On 04/30/2025 Brian McKnight filed a Civil lawsuit against Jacquelyn Wright. This case was filed in U.S. District Courts, California Central District. The Judges overseeing this case are Mark C. Scarsi and Jean P. Rosenbluth. The case status is Open.
Case Details Parties Documents Dockets

 

Case Details

  • Case Number:

    2:25-cv-03813

  • Filing Date:

    04/30/2025

  • Case Status:

    Open

  • Case Type:

    Civil

Complaint

TO THIS HONORABLE COURT AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Plaintiff Brian McKnight prosecutes the following claims against Defendants Jacquelyn Wright (also known as Jaguar Wright) and DOES 1-10.

INTRODUCTION

1. This defamation action arises from numerous videos posted on various social media platforms by Defendant Jacquelyn Wright (“Ms. Wright”) under the name Jaguar Wright. In the videos, Ms. Wright claimed that she is the cousin of Plaintiff Brian McKnight’s (“Mr. McKnight”) ex-wife, Ms. Julie McKnight (“Ms. McKnight”). Additionally, Ms. Wright made statements that Mr. McKnight had been abusive to not only prostitutes but to his wife, Ms. Julie McKnight, “...prostitute he had beaten up that my cousin caught him with just before that and how he beat her up for catching him with that chick…,” and that “He was a piece of shit father, and he was an even worse husband.”

THE PARTIES

2. Plaintiff Brian McKnight is an individual and resident of the State of Georgia. For decades, he has been a prominent singer and songwriter in the R&B music industry along with appearing in various television shows and movies.

3. Defendant Jacquelyne Wright is an individual and who upon information and belief has in the past year resided in the States of Texas, Nevada, and California. Ms. Wright is a neo-soul singer, songwriter, and content creator. Since December 25, 2022 , Ms. Wright has made numerous public statements on various video recordings that falsely implied that Mr. McKnight was abusive to Ms. McKnight during their marriage, was a terrible husband and father, and would pay said prostitutes extra to allow him to physically harm them.


Page 2

JURISDICTION AND VENUE

4. Jurisdiction is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332 for diversity of citizenship as the parties to this action are citizens of different States. The amount in controversy exceeds $75,000.00.

5. This Court has jurisdiction over this action under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 (b)(2) in that all or a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred within this district.

GENERAL ALLEGATIONS

Ms. Wright Verbally Stated in Various Video Recordings That Were Published to Various Social Media Platforms That Mr. McKnight Was Physically Abusive to Ms. McKnight and Others

6. Mr. McKnight’s career began when he signed his first record deal with Wing Records and debuted his first album Brian McKnight in 1992 . Throughout the decades, Mr. McKnight has recorded seventeen (17) studio albums, appeared in approximately eight (8) films, and numerous television shows. Mr. McKnight has numerous hit songs to include but are not limited to Love Is, One Last Cry, You Should Be Mine (Don’t Waste Your Time), and Back at One. Mr. McKnight’s work has been nominated numerous times throughout the decades and has landed him an award with the NAACP Image Award for Outstand Male Artist after releasing Back at One and an award with Soul Train Music Awards for Best R&B Male Album for his album Anytime.

7. Ms. Julie McKnight is a singer and individual who knew and dated Mr. McKnight during their youth.

8. Mr. McKnight was married to Ms. McKnight for thirteen years, from 1990 to 2003 .

9. During their marriage two children were born, Brian McKnight Jr. and Niko McKnight.

Page 3

Judge Details

Presiding Judge

Mark C. Scarsi

Referral Judge

Jean P. Rosenbluth

 

Party Details

Plaintiff

Brian McKnight

Defendants

Jacquelyn Wright

Does 1 through 10, inclusive

Attorney/Law Firm Details

Plaintiff Attorneys

Neda Farah

Samuel Ranchor Harris, III

Michael Forman

Ryan D Saba

 

Court Documents

#23

(#23) RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnightto Minutes of In Chambers Order/Directive - no proceeding held, #20 AMENDED (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/02/2025)

#22

(#22) PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight, upon Defendant Jacquelyn Wright served on 9/30/2025, answer due 10/21/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Defendant in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by method of service not specified (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/02/2025)

#21

(#21) RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnightto Minutes of In Chambers Order/Directive - no proceeding held, #20 (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/01/2025)

#20

(#20) MINUTE ORDER (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by Judge Mark C. Scarsi: The Court orders Plaintiff to show cause why this action should not be dismissed without prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m). Plaintiff shall file a written response within seven days. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 09/25/2025)

19 #2

Proposed Order

19 #1

Declaration of Neda Farah

#19

(#19) NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Extension of Time to File proof of service and to serve Defendant filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. Motion set for hearing on 10/20/2025 at 09:00 AM before Judge Mark C. Scarsi. (Attachments: #1 Declaration of Neda Farah, #2 Proposed Order) (Farah, Neda) (Entered: 09/21/2025)

#18

(#18) MINUTES (IN CHAMBERS) by Judge Mark C. Scarsi: ORDER RE: MOTION FOR ORDER PERMITTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION #16 . Plaintiff Brian McKnight brings this defamation action against Defendant Jacquelyn Wright, also known as Jaguar Wright. The Court ordered Plaintiff to show cause why the case should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution. (OSC, ECF No. 15.) Plaintiff submitted a response detailing his as-yet unsuccessful efforts to serve process, (Resp., ECF No. 17), and a motion for an order permitting him to serve Defendant by publication, (Mot., ECF No. 16). The Court deems the motion appropriate for decision without oral argument and vacates the hearing set for September 8, 2025. The motion is denied. For the reasons stated above, Plaintiff has not established good cause to extend the service deadline given the few and unvaried attempts to serve Defendant during the Rule 4(m) period. Notwithstanding, in the interest of judicial economy, the Court on its own motion reopens and extends the deadline to serve Defendant. Plaintiff shall complete service and file a proof of service within 30 days of this Order. (lc) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

16 #3

Proof of Service

#9

(#9) 21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint #1 as to Defendant Jacquelyn Wright. (bm) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

#8

(#8) Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) #1 filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

#7

(#7) INITIAL STANDING ORDER FOR CIVIL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE MARK C. SCARSI upon filing of the complaint by Judge Mark C. Scarsi. (smo) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#6

(#6) Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#5

(#5) NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#4

(#4) NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Mark C. Scarsi and Magistrate Judge John D. Early. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#3

(#3) NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight, (Attorney Ryan D Saba added to party Brian McKnight(pty:pla))(Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#2

(#2) CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

#1

(#9) 21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint #1 as to Defendant Jacquelyn Wright. (bm) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

17 More Documents Available
View All Documents

 

Docket Entries

10/02/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#23) RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnightto Minutes of In Chambers Order/Directive - no proceeding held, #20 AMENDED (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/02/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
10/02/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#22) PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight, upon Defendant Jacquelyn Wright served on 9/30/2025, answer due 10/21/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Defendant in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by method of service not specified (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/02/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
10/01/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#21) RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnightto Minutes of In Chambers Order/Directive - no proceeding held, #20 (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 10/01/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
09/24/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#20) MINUTE ORDER (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by Judge Mark C. Scarsi: The Court orders Plaintiff to show cause why this action should not be dismissed without prejudice under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m). Plaintiff shall file a written response within seven days. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 09/25/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
09/21/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#19) NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Extension of Time to File proof of service and to serve Defendant filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. Motion set for hearing on 10/20/2025 at 09:00 AM before Judge Mark C. Scarsi. (Attachments: #1 Declaration of Neda Farah, #2 Proposed Order) (Farah, Neda) (Entered: 09/21/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
08/21/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#18) MINUTES (IN CHAMBERS) by Judge Mark C. Scarsi: ORDER RE: MOTION FOR ORDER PERMITTING SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION #16 . Plaintiff Brian McKnight brings this defamation action against Defendant Jacquelyn Wright, also known as Jaguar Wright. The Court ordered Plaintiff to show cause why the case should not be dismissed for lack of prosecution. (OSC, ECF No. 15.) Plaintiff submitted a response detailing his as-yet unsuccessful efforts to serve process, (Resp., ECF No. 17), and a motion for an order permitting him to serve Defendant by publication, (Mot., ECF No. 16). The Court deems the motion appropriate for decision without oral argument and vacates the hearing set for September 8, 2025. The motion is denied. For the reasons stated above, Plaintiff has not established good cause to extend the service deadline given the few and unvaried attempts to serve Defendant during the Rule 4(m) period. Notwithstanding, in the interest of judicial economy, the Court on its own motion reopens and extends the deadline to serve Defendant. Plaintiff shall complete service and file a proof of service within 30 days of this Order. (lc) (Entered: 08/21/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
08/07/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#17) RESPONSE filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnightto Order to Show Cause #15 (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 08/07/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
08/06/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#16) NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Service by Publication filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. Motion set for hearing on 9/8/2025 at 09:00 AM before Judge Mark C. Scarsi. (Attachments: #1 Affidavit, #2 Proposed Order, #3 Proof of Service) (Attorney Neda Farah added to party Brian McKnight(pty:pla)) (Farah, Neda) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
07/31/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#15) ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE (LOP) by Judge Mark C. Scarsi. Response to Order to Show Cause due by 8/7/2025. (smo) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
07/16/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#14) NOTICE OF LODGING filed re Notice of Deficiency in Electronically filed Pro Hac Vice Application (G-112C) - optional html form, #12 (Attachments: #1 Proposed Order)(Farah, Neda) (Entered: 07/16/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
3 More Docket Entries
View All Docket Entries
05/16/2025

Docket(#10) NOTICE OF CLERICAL ERROR Text Only Entry: Due to clerical error the Case has been reassigned from Magistrate Judge John D. Early to Magistrate Judge Jean P. Rosenbluth for all further proceedings. The case will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 2:25-cv-03813-MCS-JPRx. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (nhac) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
05/06/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#9) 21 DAY Summons Issued re Complaint #1 as to Defendant Jacquelyn Wright. (bm) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
05/05/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#8) Request for Clerk to Issue Summons on Complaint (Attorney Civil Case Opening) #1 filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 05/05/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#7) INITIAL STANDING ORDER FOR CIVIL CASES ASSIGNED TO JUDGE MARK C. SCARSI upon filing of the complaint by Judge Mark C. Scarsi. (smo) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#6) Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#5) NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#4) NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Mark C. Scarsi and Magistrate Judge John D. Early. (ghap) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#3) NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight, (Attorney Ryan D Saba added to party Brian McKnight(pty:pla))(Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#2) CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. (Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less
04/30/2025
View Court Documents

Docket(#1) COMPLAINT Receipt No: ACACDC-39609959 - Fee: $405, filed by Plaintiff Brian McKnight. (Attorney Michael Forman added to party Brian McKnight(pty:pla))(Saba, Ryan) (Entered: 04/30/2025)

[+] Read More [-] Read Less

Search Court Records

Why is this public record being published online?

Brian McKnight v. Jacquelyn Wright et al
" Finally, one place to get all the court documents we need. And the best part of all, documents in their CrowdSourced Library™ are FREE!"

Claudia Nunez, Michel & Associates