Less than two months after a Manhattan jury found Remy Ma guilty of
charges including two counts of first-degree assault, the victim in the case
has officially filed a civil suit against Remy and several other defendants,
including the Universal Music Group. Makeda Smith-Barnes is seeking a minimum
of $160 million in compensatory and punitive damages, plus court fees and any
additional moneys the court may find are owed to her.
The brunt of the financial responsibility
falls on Remy, born Remy Smith, who was found guilty in March of attempted
coercion, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of first-degree
assault. The lawsuit, which was filed with the Bronx County Clerk by Barnes’
attorney Laura P. Raysor on Friday (June 20), states that as a direct result of
Rem’s actions on the night of July 14, 2007, the plaintiff continues to suffer
sever pain and mental anguish, and is still unable to perform the normal
functions of her job.
In addition, Raysor alleges that her client
has been emotionally damaged and that her injuries were further aggravated by
Remy’s decision to leave the scene of the crime rather than to help her former
friend. The victim continues to seek medical care and was informed that her
injuries may be permanent. Barnes is also seeking compensation for
defamation of character as a result of the original accusation of theft that
started the argument between her and Remy on that faithful night.
Remy Ma, who is currently serving an
eight-year sentence at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, is
being held personally liable for a total of $100 million.
Remynisce Records, Sure Shot Records, the
Universal Music Group, Universal Music Investments, Universal Music Group
Distributions and Universal Music Canada, are also named as
defendants in the lawsuit, as they held a vested interest in promoting the
public image of the artist formerly known as Remy Martin.
The suit finds the group of labels to have
been grossly negligent because, knowing that Remy had a “history of unlawful,
violent and anti-social behavior,” the employees and principals of those six
companies not only failed to protect the public, but they used her “unlawful
and illegal behavior” to promote, market and sell her music.
Barnes is seeking a total of $20 million
dollars in damages from the labels. She is also seeking any financial profit
the companies and Remy as an individual have made since the July 14 shooting,
as a direct result of having “publicized and promoted the incident.” The
lawsuit further seeks an injunction to have all Defendants turn over any future
profits made from the promotion of Remy Ma or Remy Martin’s name, image,
reputation, and music.
Since the shooting occurred outside of the
Pizza Bar, a nightclub in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, following a
birthday party attended by both women, Barnes has also named the venue and it’s
parent company POP 3, LLC as defendants in the suit, for continuing to serve
Remy after she was “visibly intoxicated.” Each entity is also being asked to
pay $20 million.
The defendants have until July 14 to file a
response.
