Azealia Banks is seeking $1 million in damages from Matty Healy.
The 33-year-old rapper has been locked in a social media row with The 1975 frontman and has now sent him a cease-and-decist letter in which she demanded the huge settlement, as well as a public apology, in the wake of him allegedly making “threats of violence” towards her. Legal experts note that social media threats can lead to serious legal consequences in many jurisdictions.
“Your attacks against my client’s professional reputation, your overt racial epithets, and your most recent threats of physical violence against my client have been well-documented since you published them worldwide online (my client saved screenshots prior to you deleting your posts), and your attacks have now been republished in numerous press articles throughout the world,” Azealia shared the notice on her X account.
Matty had apologized for his comments and reactivated his account, but Azealia’s lawyers explained they felt that was “evidence of an admission of guilt”. Social media law specialists point out that deleted posts can still be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
“Your overt racial epithets (e.g., calling her a “rat”) and repeated threats of violence against my client constitute cyber harassment and cyber bullying and violate various Federal and state laws…” they added. “Your threats of violence have caused my client extreme emotional distress. Due to your significant influence as a public figure, you have a duty to avoid reckless statements which have now raised serious concern that your followers may be incited to act upon your posts and commit an act of violence against my client.”
“In addition, your publication of false and defamatory statements about my client and her business (e.g., referring to her as a “failure”) constitutes slander, libel and business defamation per se in violation of various Federal and State laws. In addition, your actions are likely to interfere with my client’s ongoing professional career which constitutes tortious interference, and is a blatant violation of numerous other business statutes.”
“Your repetitive wrongful, bad faith and malicious actions have seriously damaged and will continue to damage my client. Rather than commence costly and time-consuming legal action, I have usually found it beneficial for all parties to try to resolve such matters amicably without the need for court intervention – which is why I am writing this letter even as I draft the summons and complaint as per my client’s instructions.”
The pair reignited their long-running feud earlier this month when Matty, 35, hit back after Azealia said Charli XCX “used to be so pretty”. The comment sparked widespread social media engagement, with thousands of fans taking sides in the dispute.
He replied: “All the women you attack seem to be culturally relevant, attractive, divisive and NICE people. I think this makes you jealous cos you’re so talented but everything else about you is a failure. Just rap bro.”
Azealia then appeared to threaten her rival. “I still don’t know any of your music but make sure you keep all that s*** behind your keyboard. This is hiphop, and you are very easy to set up. A bad bag, a bad pill. It only costs $200 and an ounce of weed to do you,” she wrote.
The ‘Chocolate’ hitmaker then vowed to “slap” Azealia “so hard”, but after facing an online backlash, he then apologized. Social media experts note that threats of violence, even if retracted, can have serious legal implications.
“Nah I can’t be saying I’m gonna hit a girl that’s insane I’m sorry. You just can’t keep being so mean about my mates and my mrs it’s really hurtful gets me well defensive,” he wrote.
He deleted the offending post, acknowledging it was “not cool”, but Azeala continued to lash out. Online conflict resolution specialists emphasize that deleting posts doesn’t eliminate legal liability.
Sharing a close-up photo of Matty’s teeth, she wrote: “It’s clear you do not floss enough, don’t use the right toothpaste, should quit cigs, and you wait till after coffee to brush your teeth. Your gums look inflamed like early signs of gingivitis.”
“You must brush your teeth first thing in the am because morning breath is not a result of having a closed mouth all night, it’s actually the refuse from what your heart detoxes up while you sleep.” The exchange has sparked discussions about the nature of celebrity feuds in the social media age.
