Judge to decide whether to dismiss Katina Powell lawsuit at a later date

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – A Louisville judge heard arguments Wednesday, on whether to dismiss claims against ‘Breaking Cardinal Rules’ co-author, Katina Powell.

Newly crowned Miss Kentucky USA Kyle Hornback, U of L students, the owner of a local barber shop, and women who claim they were misrepresented by Powell, dispute claims made in the book.

Powell’s ‘Breaking Cardinal Rules’ claims escorts were paid to have sex with U of L basketball players.

At the hearing, Judge Mitch Perry mainly heard arguments focused on the lawsuit seeking class-action status on behalf of the U of L student body.

Powell’s attorney, Bart McMahon, said the lawsuit is unfounded; and calls the students’ claims “speculative”.

“Each week, it seems that something embarrassing occurs at the University,” said McMahon. ”And so to try and pin any of their unhappiness with the way the university is viewed publicly – on Katina Powell – seems to be picking and choosing.”

Attorneys for the students argue the claims are valid.

“Every time they talk to a friend, they go to a ball game, they apply for a job, this incident with Katina Powell is in every aspect of their life now,” said attorney Nader Shunnarah, representing the students, dancers and the barber shop. 

Also being sued is IBJ Publishers and ‘Breaking Cardinal Rules’ co-author, Dick Cady.

Attorneys for IBJ argue the Kentucky legal system should not have jurisdiction because the book wasn’t published in the Commonwealth.

Judge Perry also heard attorneys’ arguments from the women depicted in the book wearing lingerie and dancing at parties in Minardi Hall.

“We also have the non-student plaintiffs who all have very solid cases,” said Andrew White, attorney for IBJ. “Their pictures are included in the manuscript, suggesting they are prostitutes, and it’s not true,” he said.

Donald Patterson, the owner of Cardinal Kutz barber shop, says he’s suing because claims made by Powell caused harm to his business. Powell claims she met his friend named “Tink” at the barber shop back in 2010; and that “Tink” was the one who suggested she provide dancers to U of L basketball players.

For now, both sides say they are waiting on a decision.

“It could be both sides are unhappy, and you could see cross appeals,” McMahon said.

Those against Powell say only about 40% of what she wrote is true. There is no word yet on when Judge Perry could make a decision. 

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