R. Kelly’s ex-manager is reportedly suing him for more than $1 million in monies he insist the R&B crooner owes him.
In a lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on Monday (June 20) and obtained by Tmz.com, Jeff Kwatinetz claims he assisted Kelly in resurrecting his career in 2008 when the singer was fighting child pornography charges, but he was underpaid for his services.
“(I) guided Kelly through the recording of two new albums, substantial multi-million dollar tours… a book deal, and a myriad of other appearances and events,” Kwatinetz says, adding, “Kelly reaped millions of dollars” while under his management.
Kwatinetz alleges that the “Love Letter” singer “failed and refused to pay” the 15 per cent commission rate they allegedly agreed on.
According to the lawsuit, Kelly’s business manager regularly told Kwatinetz the money wasn’t available because Kelly needed the cash “for payments to avoid lawsuits and adverse publicity” resulting from the singer’s alleged sexual misconduct and resulting legal battle, which was resolved in 2008 when Kelly was found not guilty of all 14 counts against him, reports ContactMusic.
In contrary to Kwatinetz’s complaint, Kelly insists the claim “is a collection of half-truths, distortions, and outright fabrications.”
His rep tells 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.”
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