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Celebrity Legal News Spotlight: Music Section
In addition to their musical and songwriting talents, part of the appeal that comes with musicians is this notion of the rock star life, a no-holds barred way of living on the edge. Sometimes this state of mind can get rock stars and other pop sensations in legal trouble and lead to some controversial legal cases. Other times, musicians are the subject of lawsuits for breaches of contracts, publishing and authorship debates, and other interesting legal issues.
Follow the latest music lawsuits below and be surprised who you see in current legal dilemmas. Also, don't forget to check out our other popular Celebrity Legal News Spotlight sections for updates on the most recent entertainment, sports, political, literary and unusual lawsuits taking place today.
Music Celebrity Legal News Spotlight Updated July 29, 2007
R&B Singer Charlie Wilson Files Lawsuit
Rhythm and Blues singer Charlie Wilson of the Gap Band is suing Capitol Records and Heineken in a Manhattan Federal Court for unlawful use of a song he recorded with hip hop star Snoop Dogg. Wilson claims that Heineken is using portions of the song "Beautiful" in ads for its Premium Light Beer without his permission. The song reportedly features vocal performances by Wilson, Snoop Dogg, and rapper Pharrell Williams.
Spector Jury Views Mansion, Gun Photos
The Associated Press has reported that jurors in the murder trial of music mogul Phil Spector viewed photos of the body of Lana Clarkson as well as photos of Spector's 8,000-square-foot mansion, including the location where Lana Clarkson was found shot to death. Jurors reviewed photos showing the bloody gun that was found at Clarkson's feet, and a holster that was found five feet from Clarkson on the night she died in 2003. Prosecutors allege that Spector murdered Clarkson, while defense attorneys claim that Clarkson killed herself. Detective Mark Lillienfield testified that he assigned up to eight detectives to search Spector's home and that he spent 30 hours at the crime scene. Spector is on trial for murdering starlet actress Lana Clarkson in his home four years ago.
Elvis Items to be Auctioned After Mega-Fan Arrested
United Press International has reported that thousands of Elvis records, DVDs, and signed memorabilia will be auctioned in the U.K. after an Elvis fan who works as a cashier in a British parking lot was arrested and charged for stealing almost $20,000 in coins from her workplace. Authorities have ordered Julie Wall, 46, to sell her extensive collection of Elvis memorabilia to pay back the cash she looted from her job. Wall pleaded Guilty to the charges and spent nearly three years in jail for the theft. Wall's Elvis memorabilia has been estimated to bring in approximately $1.2 million.
Brandy Defends Against Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The singer known as Brandy, 28, filed court documents in Los Angeles denying the wrongful death complaints against her by the family of a woman who died in a four-car accident last December that was reportedly caused by Brandy. Documents filed by the singer's attorneys said that Brandy "specifically denies each and every allegation" in the wrongful death complaints against her made by the family of Awatef Aboudihaj, who was killed in the December accident. Although the California Highway Patrol has recommended that Brandy be charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office reportedly have not yet made a decision because Brandy was not under the influence of any substance at the time of the crash and was not talking on a cell phone.
Russell Simmons and Wife Kimora Lee Simmons File Libel Lawsuit
Fashionista mogul Russell Simmons and his wife Kimora Lee Simmons have filed a lawsuit against the publishers of In Touch magazine for libel in a New York Supreme Court. A summons indicated that the Simmons were suing Bauer Publishing, In Touch magazine, and its two top editors; however, the complaint that was filed did not specify what exactly had been written that would have libeled the couple. The couple is seeking damages of $250,000.
Rapper Busta Rhymes Settles Lawsuit for Reportedly Beating Fan
Busta Rhymes, the rapper who is no stranger to legal run-ins, has settled a lawsuit against him for allegedly beating autograph-seeker Melvin Smith in 2005. Smith had sued Rhymes for $100,000, according to the New York Post, and the lawsuit was settled the day before Rhymes was scheduled to appear in court. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Music Celebrity Legal News Spotlight Updated July 7, 2007
Phil Spector Trial: Driver Says Spector Admitted to Killing
Adriano DeSouza, music mogul Phil Spector's former driver, was grilled by defense attorneys after he admitted that he heard Spector say, "I think I killed somebody" on the night that actress Lana Clarkson was shot to death at Spector's home. Spector's defense attorneys attempted to undermine DeSouza's credibility by grilling him about his education, immigration status, and his abilities to speak and understand English. Spector is on trial for the murder of Lana Clarkson, who was found shot to death in his home in 2003. Spector and DeSouza were reportedly the only people in the home besides Clarkson when she was shot. Spector has maintained that Clarkson shot herself.
Michael Jackson Ignores Auction: No Legal Action as Expected
"King of Pop" star Michael Jackson, despite rumors, did not take legal action in a Las Vegas, Nevada courtroom to stop an auction of his personal possessions. Jackson issued a statement through his publicist saying that he would not file papers in a Clark County District Court to protest the sale of stage costumes, musical instruments, a bullet-proof vest Jackson had worn, and handwritten lyrics of the Jackson 5's hit song "ABC." Earlier, Jackson had filed for a temporary injunction to stop the auction, however his attorney told the Clark County District Court that Jackson and the purported owner of the auctioned items, Universal Express, had reached a settlement agreement. Richard Altomare, CEO of Universal Express had reportedly told The New York Post that if Jackson continued legal action, he would release information about some of the potentially embarrassing items, including "salacious" artwork that might remind the public of Jackson's 2005 child molestation case. "There are a couple of paintings Jackson made of children, of boys-naked. And there are some of his whitening creams, some sex aids...some of the old records in his sealed [sexual molestation] court case," Altomare reportedly said.
Singer Sheryl Crow Adopts Baby Boy
After surviving breast cancer and a breakup with cyclist Lance Armstrong, also a cancer survivor, Grammy-winning rock star Sheryl Crow has announced that she has reason to celebrate: she has adopted a baby boy, whom she has named Wyatt Steven, after her father and brother. Crow announced the news on her web site by writing, "I am so excited to share with you guys that I've adopted a little boy.he was born two weeks ago." Crow did not mention whether adoption papers had been finalized.
Phil Spector Trial: Witness Remembers Lana Clarkson's Last Night
A waitress who went out on a date with music mogul Phil Spector before actress Lana Clarkson died in his home testified that Spector appeared to be in a good mood and did not seem drunk. Kathy Sullivan, a waitress at the Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, California, said the record producer was in a good mood and did not seem drunk. Sullivan testified that after she left work, she joined Spector at two area nightclubs before arriving at House of Blues, where Spector met Clarkson, who was working as a hostess for the club's VIP section. Sullivan described Spector as "attentive, mannerly, affectionate, and a gentleman." Around 2 a.m., Sullivan said she ordered water, and Spector became annoyed with her, saying if she wanted to drink water, she should go home and Spector asked Clarkson to have his driver take her home. Clarkson died that night from a gunshot wound, in Spector's home. Spector claims that Clarkson's gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
"Rush" Rock Star Alex Lifeson Loses Excessive Force Lawsuit
Alex Lifeson, guitarist for the rock group "Rush", has lost a lawsuit that he filed in federal court claiming that Collier County police violated his civil rights when they broke his nose while attempting to subdue him during a brawl. Lifeson alleged that police had used excessive force at a 2003 New Year's Eve party at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Naples, Florida. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ruled that police were "objectively reasonable" in the incident. Lifeson's attorney said he plans to appeal the decision.
Phil Spector's Murder Trial Delayed; Attorney Sick
The murder trial of eccentric music mogul Phil Spector has been delayed after one of Spector's attorneys suffered diabetic complications. The trial is set to resume next week. Spector is standing trial for the murder of starlet actress Lana Clarkson, who died four years ago of a gunshot wound at Spector's home. The jury has only heard opening arguments and the testimony of one witness so far.
Beatles' Record Label Settles Lawsuit; Big Bucks Imminent
Britain's Daily Mail has reported that the Beatles' record label EMI has settled its long-standing lawsuit with Apple Corps for as much as $400 million. Settlement of the lawsuit is possibly one of the last hurdles to getting Beatles music available online for digital downloads, said the newspaper. Neither McCartney nor Yoko Ono, John Lennon's widow, own the publishing rights to the Beatles' songs; the songwriting royalties from online downloads could add up to as much as $400 million. An online distribution deal for the entire Beatles repertoire is reportedly being negotiated with iTunes.
Fired Talk Show Host Imus Reportedly Hires Attorney, Sparking Lawsuit Rumors
Recently fired radio star Don Imus has reportedly hired a high-powered New York City attorney named Martin Garbus, according to Business Week. Garbus has represented Lenny Bruce, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Rappers Public Enemy in past cases. Imus was fired after a public outrage when he made called a women's basketball team "nappy headed hos" and "jiggaboos." Neither Imus nor Garbus would confirm whether a lawsuit was imminent.
Opening Statements Begin in Phil Spector Trial
The Associated Press has reported that opening statements have begun in music mogul Phil Spector's murder trail, and prosecutors have alleged that the late wannabe-starlet Lana Clarkson was merely one of several women that Spector had victimized over the years. Prosecutor Alan Jackson said his case will hinge upon testimony of Spector's former girlfriends from the 1970s, and that Spector had a "pattern" of becoming drunk and threatening women with guns. Lana Clarkson was shot in Spector's home in 2003. Spector has claimed that Clarkson shot herself. Nine men and three women are serving as jurors in the case.
Fired Disc Jockey Imus' "Nappy Headed Ho" Phrase Sparks Lawsuit
Three female police officers in New York have filed a federal lawsuit against the New York Police Department, contending that fellow police officers repeated the racial epithet to them that radio disc jockey Imus used on-air to describe the Rutgers women's basketball team, and which caused him to get fired from his job. Officers Tronnette Jackson, Maria Gome, and Karen Nelson allege that Officer Ralph Montanez called them "nappy headed hos," after Sgt. Carlos Mateo called the women "Hos." New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly called such insults "unacceptable" and "egregious."
Brandy Quits Show after Fatal Accident; Sharon Osbourne to Replace Her
The singer and actress known as Brandy has resigned from a judging job on a new television show called "America's Got Talent" because she will be facing a real-life judge in lawsuits filed against her after she caused a fatal accident last December. A representative for Brandy said Brandy quit the show because "she couldn't give the new season the attention and commitment it deserved." Brandy is said to have been devastated by the accident which killed a woman. She is now being sued twice for wrongful death by the woman's family. The producer of the show, Simon Cowell, announced that former reality TV star and former talk show host Sharon Osbourne, wife of incoherent shock rocker Ozzie Osbourne, will take Brandy's place on the show.
Family of Late Rapper Biggie Files Even Bigger Lawsuit
The family of murdered hip hop legend Christopher Wallace, who was known as "Notorious B.I.G." has filed another wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Los Angeles, this time in a Los Angeles County Superior Court. The family had filed suit in a federal court years ago. Biggie's widow, singer Faith Evans, is suing Los Angeles, along with Biggie's mother and two children, for wrongful death and asking for compensatory and punitive damages. The rap star was killed in a 1997 shooting after a party, and the lawsuit alleges that two police officers were involved in the shooting.
J. Lo and Hubby Marc Anthony Sue National Enquirer Over Drug Story
Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony are suing the National Enquirer for libel because they printed a story last month that implied Lopez and Anthony were involved in a "Heroin Scandal." Lopez and Anthony have called the article "totally unfounded." The couple's attorney, celebrity libel specialist Paul Tweed has said, "It's virtually impossible to sue for libel in the U.S..but now these publications are appearing.on the Internet [and in Europe] and they're now subject to libel laws of these jurisdictions."
J.Lo's Husband Marc Anthony Takes Tax Plea Deal
Marc Anthony, husband of Jennifer Lopez, has taken a tax plea deal, agreeing to pay $2.5 million in back taxes by the end of May. According to the New York Count District Attorney's office, Anthony and others "failed to file New York State and City corporate tax returns" and pay tax liabilities for Anthony's three companies, Ari Enterprises, Ltd, Bolero Records, Ltd., and Marc Anthony Productions.
80s Rock Star John Taylor's Home Burglarized
The home of Duran Duran bass guitarist John Taylor has been burglarized. According to police reports, the rock star's Los Angeles home was broken into while he and his family were on a trip, and several items were taken from the home, including a safe. Taylor's housekeeping staff discovered the break-in. Taylor's home is just one of several recent burglaries in the west Hollywood Hills. LAPD has assigned the Hillside Burglary Task Force to investigate the matter.
Beyonce Knowles Prevails against Former Business Associate in Lawsuit
The New York Daily News has reported that a Manhattan Supreme Court has dismissed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Beyonce Knowles. The lawsuit alleged that the celebrity singer owed a business associate money for a deal he arranged. Greg Walker of Icon Entertainment claimed that Knowles and her mother, Tina, failed to pay him $25,000 for a $15 million fashion deal that he arranged in 2003. Walker said the deal he arranged for Knowles eventually led to her 2004 clothing line, House of Dereon. A Manhattan Supreme Court judge said that Walker had not signed a written contract with Knowles and therefore had no right to be paid.
James Brown Harrassment Case Dismissed
Dead Celebrity Can't Be Sued, Says Judge
The sexual harassment lawsuit brought against James Brown has been dismissed. Jacque Hollander brought charges against Brown in 2005, saying that Brown had sexually assaulted her in 1988 at gunpoint. She sought more than $100 million in damages. A judge dismissed the suit in 2005, an appeals court upheld the decision and now the Supreme Court has also agreed that the woman waited too long to file her case. Brown died last December. Hollander had argued that the statute of limitations did not preclude her claim because the thyroid condition she attributed to the stress of the assault did not develop until 12 years after the incident.
Court Documents: Phil Spector Said Women "Deserve to Die"
Prosecutors Allege Music Producer on Trial for Murder Has Long History of Gun Violence
Music industry mogul Phil Spector reportedly said he always carried a gun because women "all deserve to die," according to documents presented to a judge in Spector's trial for allegedly murdering starlet Lana Clarkson in 2003.
Prosecutors in the murder trial against music mogul Phil Spector have asked the case's judge to allow testimony from witnesses that would show a "long history of gun-related violence directed at women." Prosecutors have presented documents that show that Spector, on trial for allegedly shooting and murdering starlet Lana Clarkson in 2003, reportedly held an ex-girlfriend at gunpoint on two occasions and told a security guard that he always carried a gun because "all women deserve to die." An April 10 hearing has been scheduled to consider the prosecution's request.
Michael Jackson In New Child Custody Lawsuit
The woman who claims to be the biological mother of Michael Jackson's three children has filed a third lawsuit against the pop stare. Nona Paris Lola Jackson filed legal papers requesting visitation and child support from Jackson in a Los Angeles Superior Court. The court papers requested that Nona Jackson receive Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch as part of the custody agreement. The woman claims that Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, is not the mother of Jackson's children and that she gave birth to Prince Michael, 10, Paris, 9, and Prince Michael II, 5. Debbie Rowe is named on the birth certificate as the mother of Paris and Prince Michael. Court hearings on Nona Jackson's motion are scheduled for May 2 and May 30. The court has dismissed two prior lawsuits by Nona Jackson.
Rapper Snoop Dogg Appeals Visa Denial in Britain
Rap star Snoop Dogg has appealed the denial of a visa to enter Britain on his European rap tour with rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs. Dogg was denied entrance into the UK after an arrest last year at London's Heathrow airport. Britain's Home Office has said that it retains the right to deny entrance to individuals who are "not conducive to the public good." Snoop Dogg and a female companion were arrested on drug charges in Stockholm earlier this month on suspected narcotic charges.
Kid Rock Fights Back: Sues Woman Who Accused Him of Assault
Kid Rock, who was accused recently of assaulting a Michigan woman at a party, is now suing her for filing a reportedly false police report. Rock filed a civil complaint in an Oakland County Circuit Court under his real name, Bob Ritchie, against Michigan resident Kelly Kozlowski for invading his privacy, defaming him, and filing a false police report against him to harm his reputation. The lawsuit stems from an early March incident at Rock's Brandon Township home, at which Kozlowski claimed to police that Rock had pushed her into a snowbank. After an investigation, Oakland County prosecutors did not file charges against Rock. Rock's attorney said to E! Online, "The suit is designed to.set the record straight."
Music Mogul Suge Knight Evicted from Home
Former Death Row Records CEO Marion "Suge" Knight was reportedly evicted from his Wilshire Boulevard condo recently in Los Angeles, according to celebrity star watcher Janet Charlton. Knight's financial problems allegedly stem from court battles with a couple who claim they helped him found the record label and received a reported $107 million judgment against Knight for mismanagement of company funds. Knight filed for bankruptcy after the judgment and has since been embroiled in other legal battles ever since. Police stood by as Knight's possessions were legally removed from his condominium.
Jury Selection Begins for Phil Spector Trial: Do Jurors Prefer Blonds?
Jury selection has begun in the trial of music mogul Phil Spector, who will soon be tried for the 2003 fatal shooting of movie actress Lana Clarkson in his Alhambra, CA home. A smiling Spector was accompanied in court by his second wife Rachelle Short, whom he married last year, and his formerly gray hair had been dyed a startling blond. Spector has pleaded Not Guilty and is free on $1 million bond. Prospective jurors who pass muster with attorneys will return April 16 and face additional questioning. Opening arguments are scheduled for April 30 and will be televised.
Rocker Courtney Love Sued Over 2005 Rehab Bill
"Hole" rock star and widow of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain has been sued in a Los Angeles Superior Court for non-payment of a $181k bill for treatment at the exclusive Beau Monde rehab center, according to The Smoking Gun website. Love reportedly paid $10k for her treatment when admitted in 2005 but hasn't paid the balance since.
Rap Star Sean "Puffy" Combs Sued for Assault
Sean "Puffy" Combs has been sued for $25k by a man who claims he was "unlawfully attacked, assaulted and battered" by Combs during a party after the Academy Awards. Gerald Rechnitzer filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming he was at Teddy's nightclub in Hollywood when Combs began chatting with Rechnitzer's girlfriend and then started a fight with Rechnitzer, reportedly punching him in the jaw. He then pushed Rechnitzer's girlfriend and attempted to spit on another nearby woman, the suit alleges. An attorney for Combs denied all allegations. The LAPD is reportedly investigating the incident.
Rapper Eminem Sued for Canceled Gig in Ireland
E! News has reported that an Irish court is suing rap megastar Eminem over a canceled Dublin concert, to recover cancellation costs. Irish Justice Peter Kelly wrote to a U.S. District Court in Detroit requesting that Eminem provide testimony to be read into a Dublin court record regarding the star's canceled concert. Eminem canceled a concert at Ireland's Slane Castle, citing exhaustion and was treated soon after for an addiction to sleeping pills.
Sammy Strain of O'Jays Sues for Royalties
Sammy Strain, a member of the band "O'Jays," is suing his former partners and the record label, Philadelphia International Records, in a Philadelphia federal court for $15 million in past royalties that he claims he was never paid. The suit alleges that O'Jays founders Eddie Levert and Walter Williams conspired to deny Strain his share of the royalties. The O'Jays recorded several hits, including "Used to Be My Girl," and "Forever Mine."
Family of Jimi Hendrix Sues Over Vodka Campaign
The family of the late rock legend Jimi Hendrix is suing the Seattle-based marketer of Hendrix Electric Vodka for what it is calling "unauthorized, tasteless promotion" of the Hendrix name. The Hendrix family's company, Experience Hendrix, filed a federal lawsuit against Craig Dieffenbach for trademark infringement to market the vodka and other products bearing the Hendrix name.
Sean "Diddy" Combs Sued by British Record Producer Over Name
Reuters news service has reported that a British court ruled on Wednesday that mega-rapper Sean "P Diddy" Combs had breached an agreement with London-based record producer Richard "Diddy" Dearlove to not use the "Diddy" name in Britain. Combs had agreed to not use the lyric "mainline this Diddy heroin" from his song "The Future" in Britain, however, the lyrics appeared on Combs' website as well as on MySpace and YouTube. The court ruled that there had been a breach, however, it was Combs' record companies, not Combs himself, who controlled the content of his web pages. Combs' record companies were not named in the lawsuit. A spokesman for Combs called the ruling "a victory for common sense." In the past, Combs has used the names "Puffy" "Puff Daddy" and "P Diddy."
Van Halen, Jimmy Page and Others Sue Colorado Nightclub Owner
A group of musicians, including the rock group Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones are suing the owner of Vail, CO nightclub owner Steven Kovacik for copyright violations for allowing public performances of their songs in his nightclub. The lawsuit, which was filed in a U.S. District Court in Colorado, alleges that the "8150" nightclub has reportedly hired cover bands that play songs that are copyrighted. The group is suing for as much as $300,000 per song plus attorney fees, according to court documents.
Justin Timberlake Autograph Signing: Illinois Attorney General Investigates
The top law-enforcement agency in Illinois is investigating an event that promoted a reportedly phony autograph signing in Illinois that singer and ex-boyfriend of Britney Spears Justin Timberlake was supposed to attend. Timberlake was scheduled to perform at an Illinois arena March 13 and was reportedly scheduled to attend an after-party autograph signing at a Round Lake, IL bar called "Sharky's." Timberlake's representatives issued a statement saying Timberlake is not scheduled to appear at the promotion. The Illinois Attorney General's office is investigating whether the promotion violated the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act. The event's promoter, Fred Fleming of Lake Forest, IL, claimed that Timberlake had a $25,000 contract to appear at the nightclub and that funds were deposited electronically into the singer's bank account.
No tickets have been sold to the event, though a spokesperson for the Illinois Attorney General's office said that will not deter the investigation.
Michael Jackson Booted Granny from Deathbed, Suit Alleges
The children of a 74-year old woman who died in a hospital Emergency department in 2005 are suing Michael Jackson and officials at Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, CA, claiming that celebrity-worshiping hospital officials and Michael Jackson pushed their mother out of her deathbed and tortured their family. The children of Manuela Gomez Ruiz, 74, alleged in a lawsuit filed against the hospital and Jackson that the pop star demanded to have two beds while being treated for abdominal pains. The woman was reportedly moved to make room for the pop star and later died. The lawsuit charges both parties with emotional distress, elder abuse, false imprisonment, negligence, and conspiracy.
R&B Singer Brandy Sued by Dead Woman's Children
A second lawsuit has been filed against singer and actress Brandy Norwood for negligence and wrongful death, this time by the sons of Awatef Aboudihaj, the woman who was killed in a December accident that was reportedly caused by Brandy. The woman's parents filed a suit against Brandy for $50 million last month. A spokesperson for the singer, saying only, "The accident was a terrible tragedy and Brandy's heart goes out to Awatef Aboudihaj's family."
Hilary Duff's Reported Stalker Sentenced to Jail
Maksim Myaskovskiy, 18, pleaded 'No Contest' to stalking actress Hilary Duff and her former romantic interest, Joel Madden. Myaskovskiy was sentenced to 117 days in jail and five years probation after he was arrested for reportedly stalking and threatening Duff and Madden last year.
