Latest news with #Plaintiff
Los Angeles Times
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Fat Joe accused of coercion, intimidation, sex with minors in ex-hype man's lawsuit
Terrance 'T.A.' Dixon, once a hype man to rapper Fat Joe, has sued his former employer for $20 million, making some allegations that might blend right in at Sean 'Diddy' Combs' RICO and sex-trafficking trial. The federal lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York and reviewed by The Times, alleges that the rapper underpaid Dixon, cut him out of promised pay for contributing to album tracks, defrauded authorities about his income, ditched Dixon in foreign countries without money or transportation home and is running a criminal organization built on intimidation and violence. The lawsuit alleges that Fat Joe forced the hype man — a sort of backing vocalist who pumps up the audience — into approximately 4,000 sex acts with women in front of him and his crew. The 54-year-old rapper, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is also accused of having sexual relationships with girls who were 15 and 16. The allegations go back to when the rapper was in his late 30s, the lawsuit says. Fat Joe's song 'She's My Mama,' which has graphically sexual lyrics, was based on what is alleged to have happened with him and one of the girls in real life, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit states that Dixon's role over about 16 years was more than that of the usual hype man. He 'consistently' had duties that included co-writing lyrics, structuring hooks, recording background vocals, performing at more than 200 live shows as Fat Joe's primary onstage counterpart and managing travel logistics, including equipment transport, security and emergency arrangements. The complaint alleges that Dixon also acted as Joe's bodyguard and handler during tours. According to the filing, Dixon wrote or co-wrote tracks including 'Congratulations,' 'Money Over Bitches,' 'Ice Cream,' 'Cupcake,' 'Blackout,' 'Dirty Diana,' 'Porn Star,' 'Okay Okay,''No Problems,' a version of 'All the Way Up,' '300 Brolic,' 'All I Do Is Win (Remix verse),' 'Red Café (Remix),' 'Winding on Me,' 'Cocababy' and 'Get It for Life.' The complaint alleges that Dixon was not properly paid for his efforts, even though he says he was promised certain ownership percentages and documented credit on songs that Fat Joe released commercially. Dixon, who left Fat Joe's team in 2020, was unable to obtain certain evidence of wrongdoing until a person named as 'Accountant Doe' came forward last year with information, the lawsuit says. Fat Joe 'exercised sole control over contracts, budgets, tour management, licensing, and credit attribution and intentionally omitted Plaintiff's name from liner notes, publishing registrations, and royalty structures, despite Plaintiff's direct contributions to these works' creative and commercial success,' the complaint says. Joe Tacopina, an attorney for Fat Joe, called the lawsuit 'a blatant attack of retaliation' and labeled the allegations 'complete fabrications' that his client denies in a statement to Variety. Retaliation referred to the slander lawsuit that the rapper filed against Dixon in April after the former hype man accused him on social media of flying a 16-year-old across state lines for sex. Dixon's attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, is also representing producer Lil Rod (Rodney Jones) in his $30-million federal lawsuit filed last year against Sean 'Diddy' Combs and others in Combs' orbit, in which Lil Rod alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault. A judge tossed out a majority of Lil Rod's allegations against Combs in late March. Both lawsuits include trigger warnings in bright red type ahead of the allegations — something not often seen in such documents. 'Fat Joe is Sean Combs minus the Tusi [pink cocaine],' Blackburn said in a statement to the Independent. 'He learned nothing from his 2013 federal conviction,' the attorney added, referencing Fat Joe's four-month sentence and $15,000 fine in a plea deal for failure to file a tax return in multiple years on more than $3.3 million in income. In addition to Fat Joe, defendants in the new lawsuit include Peter 'Pistol Pete' Torres, Richard 'Rich Player' Jospitre, Erica Juliana Moreira and several companies —including Roc Nation — that are affiliated with the rapper. Dixon is asking for a jury trial.
Business Wire
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
RCKT Investors Have the Opportunity to Lead the Rocket Pharmaceuticals Securities Fraud Lawsuit with Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ('Rocket' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: RCKT) and reminds investors of the August 11, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of RP-A501's safety and clinical trial protocol; notably, that Rocket knew Serious Adverse Events (SAEs), including death of participants enrolled in the study, were a risk. In particular, Rocket amended the trial's protocol to introduce a novel immunomodulatory agent to the pretreatment regimen without providing this critical update to shareholders. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Rocket's securities at artificially inflated prices. On May 27, 2025, Rocket announced that the FDA placed a clinical hold on the RP-A501 Phase 2 pivotal study after at least one patient suffered a Serious Adverse Event (SAE), ultimately, death, while enrolled in the study following a substantive amendment to the protocol that the Company failed to disclose to investors at the time management made the revision. In fact, Rocket stated that, while the patient was dosed in May, the decision to amend the protocol was made 'several months' earlier. Despite this, Rocket made no attempt to alert investors or the public to the change until after the SAE occurred. Following this news, the price of Rocket's common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $6.27 per share on May 23, 2025, Rocket's stock price fell to $2.33 per share on May 27, 2025, a decline of about 37% in the span of just a single trading day. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Rocket's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Rocket Pharmaceuticals class action, go to or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
Associated Press
12-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NSSC INVESTOR ALERT: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC Announces That NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. Investors With Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit
NEW YORK - June 12, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. ('NAPCO' or 'the Company') (NASDAQ: NSSC) and certain of its officers. Class Definition This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired NAPCO securities between February 5, 2024 and February 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the 'Class Period'). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: Case Details The complaint alleges that Defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of NAPCO's ability to forecast the demand for its products or otherwise the true state of NAPCO's negotiating position with distributors; notably, that, despite making lofty long-term projections and claiming one-off setbacks to hardware sales, NAPCO's forecasting processes fell short as sales continued to decline and, ultimately, derailed the Company's long-term projections. The Complaint adds that such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase NAPCO's securities at artificially inflated prices. What's Next? A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660 . If you suffered a loss in NAPCO you have until June 24, 2025, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. There is No Cost to You We represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful. Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , X , Facebook , or Instagram . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC Peretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller 332-239-2660 | [email protected] View the original release on
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Simmons Hits HBO With $20M Defamation Suit Over 2020 Documentary Alleging Rape
With Oprah Winfrey very publicly exiting as a producer, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering's documentary On the Record, about the women who accused hip hop impresario Russell Simmons of rape and more, was controversial even before its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Now, years later, Simmons is claiming again he had proof the allegations cited in OTR were false or at least questionable in their truth. Living in Bali of late, the much-accused Def Jam co-founder is going after HBO, parent company Warner Bros Discovery and the filmmakers for $20 million in a defamation action filed today in NYC – and he's naming names, past and present. More from Deadline Channel 4 Says It Doesn't Use NDAs, But Documents Reveal Company Is Curbing Free Speech Of Aggrieved Ex-Employees Sean "Diddy" Combs' Faces New Accuser "Jane" Wednesday; Trial Dominated Today By $100K Payment For "Only Copy" Of 2016 L.A. Hotel Footage Of Cassie Ventura Beating Jury In Harvey Weinstein Rape Retrial Set To Start Deliberations Wednesday - Update 'The Defendants willfully, intentionally, negligently, and/or recklessly, disregarded and/or suppressed evidence and information, including interviews, and over twenty witnesses, that were supportive and favorable to Plaintiff, and/or refuted and rebutted the accusations falsely made against Plaintiff in the film,' exclaims the complaint placed in the Supreme Court of the state of New York docket late Tuesday by attorneys Imran Ansari and Carla DiMare. The duo not only want a hunk of cash for their much-accused client, but they also want the Drew Dixon (a former Def Jam exec), Sheri Sher, Sil Lai Abrams, Jenny Lumet, and Kelly Cutrone featuring On the Record, which HBO Max picked up in February 2020, essentially scrubbed from 'all platforms, networks and media outlets in the Defendants' control' so to never be seen again. Naming those names, Simmons' complaint adds: 'The evidence and information were made available to Defendants, including then CEO of WarnerMedia John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content, Casey Bloys, and the company's board members, by the Plaintiff, and/or others on his behalf, however, the Defendants disregarded and/or suppressed said materials.' 'Defendants further disregarded nine consecutive credible and favorable CIA-grade polygraph results, and/or information favorable to Plaintiff that was provided to them or would have been discovered with due diligence, and adherence to accepted journalistic standards, and that Defendants willfully, and/or recklessly, disregarded and suppressed said information and evidence, and published, and continue to republish defamatory content,' it goes on to state. HBO and WBD's scarce communications boss (and ex-Obama press secretary) Robert Gibbs had no response when reached out to by Deadline over Simmons' new swipe at the docu. While repetitive of what was in their actual filing, the same cannot be said of Simmons lawyers. 'Despite voluminous support for Mr. Simmons in the form of credible information, persuasive evidence, witness statements, and calls for further investigation by notable members of the media, politics, and the civil rights movement, the defendants simply disregarded it, and released, and continue to re-release globally, a film that tremendously disparaged and damaged Mr. Simmons with salacious and defamatory accusations that he vehemently denies,' Ansari and DiMare told Deadline this AM of the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning Dick and Ziering. In the overlapping nature of #MeToo lawsuits, it is worth noting that Ansari is a partner and chief of the civil litigation practice of Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins – a firm founded by longtime Harvey Weinstein lawyer Arthur Aidala, who literally is in court for his ex-producer client's NYC rape retrial as it goes to the jury today. That trial is taking place not far from where Sean 'Diddy' Combs, a clear protégé of Simmons on may levels, is on trial in federal court on charges of sex-trafficking and more. Corporately, On the Record was supposed to screen on AppleTV+ under the streamer's deal with Winfrey, but when the talk show queen pulled out of the film over concerns about 'some inconsistencies in the stories,' that avenue became a dead-end. After a strong reception at the Robert Redford founded Sundance, just as Covid-19 was hitting the world, the film was bought by HBO and aired on what was then called HBO Max on May 27, 2020. While Simmons has denied the allegations against him from a variety of women, it seems he has not been so prompt to pay up sums he agreed to. A trio of women who reached settlements with Simmons said in filings earlier this year that he still owes them around $8 million. To be specific, after reaching deals in 2023 and paying up initially, Simmons still owes Alexia Jones $190,000 with 20% annual interest, journalist Toni Sallie $2,940,000 with 20% annual interest, and $4,950,000 to singer Tina Klein-Baker. Living in Bali, Indonesia since 2018, around the time the allegations against him began to peak, and having founded an upmarket retreat. Simmons is out of the reach of U.S. justice. There is no extradition treaty between the world's fourth most populous nation and America. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery
Kuwait Times
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Pelicans' Williamson accused of rape in LA civil suit
PHOENIX: Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans walks up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena on February 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. - AFP LOS ANGELES: New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles, court filings showed on Friday. A filing made in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday by a woman identified as Jane Doe said the former No.1 NBA draft pick Williamson raped her at a Beverly Hills apartment on two occasions in 2020. 'These two incidents were not isolated,' the lawsuit states. 'Defendant continued to abuse, rape, assault, and batter Plaintiff in California and other states, including Louisiana and Texas, until the relationship ended in 2023.' The accuser is seeking damages for assault, sexual battery, domestic violence, burglary, stalking and false imprisonment. Williamson's attorneys said in a statement emailed to AFP the allegations were 'categorically false and reckless,' adding that the NBA star's legal team would seek 'significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.' The lawsuit said the woman dated Williamson over five years from 2018 to 2023. 'During the course of their relationship, Defendant engaged in a continuing pattern of abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff,' the lawsuit states. 'His wrongful conduct occurred in Louisiana and continued thereafter across several states. The abuse was sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature.' The lawsuit adds that Williamson carried out 'acts of criminal violence' against the woman which included choking, beating and pointing a loaded gun at her head. The suit alleges Williamson was 'either drunk or on cocaine' during the assaults. Williamson's attorneys have accused the woman of trying to extort money from the Pelicans ace. 'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and we unequivocally deny them,' a statement from legal firm Barrasso-Usdin-Kupperman-Freeman & Sarver said. 'This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.' The statement said Williamson and the woman had not dated but engaged in a 'consensual, casual relationship' that began when he was 18. 'At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns,' Williamson's attorneys said. 'Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars. Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff's extortion attempts to law enforcement. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.' — AFP
