Kevin Liles Accuses Ex-Def Jam Rapper Lady Luck of Extortion

A high-profile dispute has erupted between former Def Jam exec Kevin Liles and rapper Lady Luck. Liles has accused the rapper of trying to extort him to the tune of $30 million by means of threats. He additionally alleges Lady Luck threatened to publish a e-book containing “false and damaging allegations of sexual misconduct.”

According to statements launched by Liles, Lady Luck—actual identify Shanell Jones—and her authorized group contacted him to demand a $30 million fee. They mentioned and not using a fee, Liles would face a really public lawsuit and the discharge of a tell-all e-book accusing Liles of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct. Those allegations embrace claims that Liles ‘groomed’ Lady Luck when she signed to Def Jam in 1999 as a youngster. Other allegations embrace that Liles uncovered himself to her and tried to pressure her to carry out oral intercourse in his automobile.

Liles has categorically denied all the accusations levied in opposition to him, calling them “utterly false” and “pure fabrication. “None of this ever happened,” Liles mentioned in a public assertion. “Her threatened allegations are totally false. Rather than pay her and her legal team, I am publicly addressing what I view to be an extortion attempt.”

“It seems Mrs. Jones hopes to leverage the current news environment to pressure me into writing an exorbitant check in order to avoid the negative publicity that will likely result from her false claims,” Liles continues. “I intend to vigorously fight any complaint she may file and will take whatever legal action is necessary against her and the attorneys who have participated in this attempted shakedown.”

The assertion was launched on the web site ‘LadyLucksOwnWords.com,’ which Liles seems to have created as an archive of communication with the rapper. It particulars how Liles gave her an opportunity with a document deal after listening to her on Hot 97 and comprises quite a few print and internet interviews of Lady Luck discussing her relationship with the rap mogul.

Liles argues that his relationship together with her was at all times skilled and supportive. He additionally notes her struggles, stating that her profession didn’t attain the heights each she and Liles hoped she would obtain. Lady Luck later requested to be launched from her Def Jam contract. Liles additionally pointed to a legal background and referenced current hardships, stating “I will not be extorted, nor will I pay a dollar to those that threaten to ruin my reputation.”

Lady Luck and her authorized representatives so far haven’t responded to the detailed denials or the web site. The dispute additionally comes at a time when Liles is in search of the dismissal of a sexual assault lawsuit stemming from his time at Def Jam within the early 2000s—although it’s unclear if that lawsuit is said.