Disclaimer: This article summarizes publicly available allegations and statements made by the parties. The claims discussed remain part of an active civil legal dispute and have not been finally adjudicated. Allegations in court filings are not findings of fact unless and until determined by the court.
Independent filmmaker Channel 5 received a civil lawsuit related to their documentary Dear Kelley, a film centered around Kelley Johnson and his personal experiences, legal disputes, and worldview. Click here to watch Dear Kelley film.
Presence News viewed the documentary using a complimentary screening code provided for media review.
According to statements made by Channel 5, this is the second time an individual identified as William Joiner has pursued legal action against their organization regarding similar subject matter – Once in Federal court and now in Southern California Regional Court. Channel 5 stated publicly that the previous case concluded in their favor. Presence News has not independently verified the outcome of prior litigation and encourages readers to review official court records for additional context.
Background of the Loan Dispute
Court filings (in the initial filing below in PDF) describe a loan transaction dating back to 2007 involving the William Joiner Family Trust and Kelley Johnson.
According to the complaint:
- William Joiner, through his family trust, allegedly loaned Kelley Johnson $150,000 in 2007.
- The loan reportedly required monthly payments of $1,500.
- The complaint alleges Johnson represented an income of at least $25,000 per month during the loan application process.
- The lawsuit further alleges that Johnson later defaulted on the loan beginning in 2011.
The complaint states that after several attempts to resolve the matter through forbearance agreements, a Notice of Trustee’s Sale was ultimately published in 2014.
Court filings further allege that bankruptcy proceedings filed by Johnson’s then-wife delayed foreclosure efforts. The complaint states the bankruptcy court ultimately granted relief allowing foreclosure proceedings to continue.
The litigation also references a 2015 settlement agreement in which the parties allegedly resolved portions of the dispute, including language relating to the foreclosure process. Presence News has not independently verified the complete terms of that agreement beyond the publicly filed court documents.
Documentary Presents Kelley Johnson’s Perspective
Dear Kelley primarily presents Kelley Johnson‘s perspective on his life, legal battles, and personal beliefs through interviews with family members, supporters, and public figures.
Johnson, identified in the documentary as a Pepperdine University alumni and previous long standing attorney, argues throughout the film that he believes he was wronged during his dealings with William Joiner and others.
The documentary also includes interviews with Johnson’s daughter and son, who discuss their experiences and perspectives regarding their father.
One segment of the Dear Kelley Film features conservative commentator Charlie Kirk speaking with Kelley Johnson at a conference.
References to The Joiner Group
The documentary includes discussion of William Joiner and references to The Joiner Group.
Materials reviewed by Presence News indicate The Joiner Group marketed itself as a collateral-based private lender willing to finance second, third, and fourth trust deed positions.
Presence News located an older loan advertisement associated with The Joiner Group that was mailed in 2006 to Kelley Johnson’s residence. Despite efforts to locate current publicly available contact information for William Joiner, Presence News was unable to identify an active public contact method. Presence News has contacted Murphey & Murphey – as of publication no response has been received.
Publicly available information reviewed by Presence News associates William Joiner with the Shady Canyon area of Southern California.
Discussion of Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash
The documentary also includes discussion and theories regarding the 2020 helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others.
Public findings released by federal investigators concluded the helicopter encountered dense fog while flying at low altitude in the Calabasas mountains on the morning of the crash. Investigators reported there was no evidence alcohol or drugs contributed to the pilot’s performance.
The documentary presents additional viewpoints from interview subjects, which reflect their personal opinions and should not be interpreted as established fact.
Channel 5 Discusses Cost of Litigation
Following the filing of the lawsuit, Channel 5 representative released a public video discussing the financial impact of defending the case.
According to Channel 5, anticipated legal expenses could approach $800,000. He subsequently launched a crowdfunding campaign seeking assistance with legal costs.
The fundraising campaign received more than $1.4 million in contributions during its first several days, according to publicly available campaign figures.
Active Civil Matter
The lawsuit remains an active civil dispute.
The Channel 5 Team has encouraged audiences interested in the case to follow future court filings as litigation continues.
Presence News emphasizes that litigation often includes disputed factual allegations from multiple parties. Filing a lawsuit does not establish liability, and all parties are entitled to present evidence and legal arguments before the court.
Request for Comment
Presence News welcomes statements or additional information from:
- Channel 5
- William Joiner
- The William Joiner Family Trust
- Kelley Johnson
- Counsel representing any of the parties
Any responses received may be incorporated into future reporting to ensure readers receive the most complete and current information available as this matter proceeds through the legal system.