After remaining out of trouble for some time, R. Kelly is in hot water once again. According to reports, Kelly is being sued by his former manager for breach of oral contract and fraud. The lawsuit claiming that the singer used his fees as hush money to pay off several parties accusing him of sexual misconduct.
According to TMZ, Kelly’s ex-manager, Jeff Kwatinetz, filed the lawsuit on June 20, in L.A. County Superior Court and is seeking more than $1 million in unpaid commission and punitive damages from the famed singer.
Kwatinetz claims that, during the height of Kelly’s child pornography scandal in 2008, he single-handedly kept the 12 Play singer afloat and resurrected his career. Kwatinetz says he “guided Kelly through the recording of two new albums, substantial multimillion dollar tours … a book deal, and a myriad of other appearances and events” — and “Kelly reaped millions of dollars” while under his management.
Throughout that time, Kelly failed to pay Kwatinetz his 15 percent commission, having his business manager explain to Kwatinetz that “the monies were needed for payments to avoid lawsuits and adverse publicity resulting from Kelly’s alleged [sexual misconduct].”
However, a representative for Kelly is refuting Kwatinetz’s claims, saying that his lawsuit has no merit.
“Jeff Kwatinetz’s complaint is a collection of half-truths, distortions, and outright fabrications,” said the rep in a statement to TMZ. “Mr. Kwatinetz is a disgruntled former manager who apparently feels the need to try to seek retribution for his discharge. It is particularly disturbing, given his job as a professional talent manager and trusted adviser, that he would feel the need to lash out and dish what he thinks is dirt against a former client. When the actual facts are presented, however, we are confident that his allegations will be found to be completely without merit.”
It looks like Kelly may never be able to escape his past sexual scandals. –nicholas robinson
