Nicki Minaj scores legal win as court denies $20 Million default judgment in harassment case

October 21, 2021

Nicki Minaj has reportedly scored a minor victory in the ongoing legal battle between the rapper, her husband Kenneth Petty and his accuser in the 1994 sexual assault conviction, Jennifer Hough.

According to Rolling Stone, a federal clerk for the Eastern District of New York determined that Minaj did not fail to respond to Hough’s lawsuit against her for harassment, thereby denying Hough’s request to fine the couple in default and award a $20 million judgement.

In the court docket, the clerk found Minaj hired a lawyer last week to defend her in the ongoing case but that Petty had “not filed an answer or otherwise moved with respect to the complaint.” In an official sworn statement filed by the Queen rapper, Minaj claimed that she thought she hired a lawyer back in September when initial conversations were had but due to “innocent miscommunications,” there was a delay in paying his retainer.

“My failure to respond to the complaint was the product of an innocent mistake, and I ask the court to excuse the delay so that I can defend what I believe to be an entirely frivolous case,” Minaj explained in her statement.

“I confirm the truth of those portions of [the] defendant’s declaration concerning my role in her failure to secure my services promptly,” attorney Judd Burstein wrote in a related statement.

Despite the court’s findings, Hough’s lawyer Tyrone Blackburn insisted they would continue to move forward with the default motion against Petty for the $20 million.

 In a statement to Rolling Stone, Blackburn said:  “It’s interesting that Kenneth Petty is currently in the Eastern District of New York suing the state of New York, but he has no respect for this proceeding and no respect for this judge to come forward and to answer for raping Jennifer Hough in 1994 and all the harassment he and his wife and his goons visited upon her since then.”

Back in  August, Hough filed a lawsuit against Minaj and Petty in which she alleged the couple attempted to convince her to recant her account that Petty sexually assaulted her through various harassment and intimidation tactics.

She is currently seeking “unspecified damages for the intentional infliction of emotional distress.”

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Morning Motivation

I am a high achiever. Every goal I set is an opportunity for extraordinary success! I relentlessly pursue excellence in every aspect of my life and work! With unwavering focus, I align my actions with my goals, creating a path of unprecedented achievement! I am not...

A Journey to Mental Wellness

In the hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, neglecting the very core of our being, our mental health.  Our life is a cacophony of a relentless stream of deadlines, a fast-paced cityscape, crowded streets, and buzzing...

#WCW – TEMI MARCELLA AWOGBORO

Our Woman Crush Wednesday, TEMI MARCELLA AWOGBORO is a dedicated and accomplished Executive whose journey is marked by significant achievements and unwavering commitment to her goals. Over the years, Temi has taken several high-ranking roles, some of which are West...

Welcome to 2024

Here's to a year of growth, positivity, and fulfilling adventures. Happy New Year... Spread the vibe around +2024

Morning Affirmations

• My spirit is aligned with the flow of abundance. • I attract prosperity and success into my business endeavors • Today, I choose to see possibilities where others see obstacles. • I turn challenges into stepping stones for success • My mind is a powerful magnet for...

A Journey to Mental Wellness

In the hustle and bustle of our chaotic lives, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle, neglecting the very core of our being, our mental health.  Our life is a cacophony of a relentless stream of deadlines, a fast-paced cityscape, crowded streets, and buzzing traffic. ...

20-Minute Marathon Drive with Entrepreneurs

Are you a struggling entrepreneur looking to make 2024 your best year yet in business?Here is an opportunity for you! It's a 20 minutes Marathon Drive with Entrepreneurs, coming up this FridayCome listen to successful entrepreneurs for 20 minutes and get actionable...