All Entries Tagged With: "Law"
Hot 97 DJ Mr. Cee Says “I Am Not Gay” After Recent Arrest
Hot 97FM’s DJ Mr. Cee is back in the news again for soliciting a male prostitute.
Last week, Calvin Lebrun (aka Mr. Cee) was arrested in New York after picking up a “female” prostitute. The prostitute turned out to be an undercover cop. The legendary DJ aired out his disappointment this morning on Ebro Darden’s radio show. He claims that he was a target in a sting operation. According to the DJ, he stopped to make a phone call. This is when the prostitute walked up to him and offered up sex. He claims that the officers story changed around and said that it wasn’t a female, but actually a male.
The arrest follows another incident in which Mr. Cee was caught picking up a male prostitute. This second time around has really caused many of his supporters and industry peers to question his sexuality. Mr. Cee insisted that he is not gay during his radio interview.
“Let’s say if I’m lying, that’s my choice,” Cee proposed, after a Hot 97 DJ began to play Aly-Us’ “Follow Me,” a ’90s dance record often associated with the gay club community. “If I’m lying and I chose not to come out, that’s my choice.”
Due to the recent events, Mr. Cee says he will be stepping away from his radio gig for a while. He has been seeking therapy for his prostitution addiction. Whether he is gay or not, the DJ definitely has a problem that he need to correct. Hopefully, this new arrest has taught him that as a public figure these type of acts are embarrassing and detrimental to his career.
Get it together, Mr. Cee…
“Gonk” Brother of Rapper Trina Shot & Killed By Neighbor Due To Ongoing Fued
This morning, the younger brother of rapper Trina was shot and killed by a friend in northwest Miami. The incident occurred at approximately 10AM on Northwest 91st Street due to an ongoing feud. Wilbrent “Gonk” Bain was pronounced dead and the Miami-Dade Police Department currently have the suspect in custody. Sources say that Bain died due to 8 gunshots in the back.
According to neighbors and close friends, the suspect and Bain were friends. They both grew up in the same neighborhood near Northwest 91st Street and 24th Avenue. Mutual friends told NBC 6 Miami that they believe that an ongoing fight between the two led up to the shooting.
Neighbors and friends are all in disbelief that this happen to Bain. “He’s a very good kid,” family friend the Rev. Gary Johnson said. “It’s unfortunate. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
“Unconfirmed” photo of Trina being held by family members after hearing the news
Trina have yet to release a public statement regarding her brother’s death. But, the overall census amongst neighbors and friends is that the gun violence is out-of-hand and must stop.
STACKS Magazine send our deepest sympathies to Trina and her family.
Photo Credit: LipstickAlley.com
Future’s Freebandz Member OG Double D Shot On Atlanta Hwy
The newest member of Future’s Freebandz label died yesterday after a shooting incident in Atlanta. OG Double (or OG Double D aka Freebandz Swag Chief) was a rapper that was coming up in the ranks on the underground rap scene in Atlanta. The unfortunate incident happened on Atlanta’s I-20 highway right before the afternoon rush hour.
According to news reports, OGD was traveling westbound on I-20 when his black Maybach Mercedes vehicle was riddled with bullets (which left several shots to the victim body and head). An officer noticed the vehicle drifting on the side of the road, near the Glenwood Rd exit, and immediately tried to assist the victim. All of the doors to the luxury vehicle were locked. The officer broke a back window and called Paramedics, whom quickly transported OGD to Grady Hospital. Later Thursday evening he was pronounced dead.
Several pictures on his Instagram page (@1freebanddouble) suggests that he lived a good life (i.e. driving luxury vehicles, flashy jewelry, designer clothes, holding stacks of cash, etc). In some pics, the Memphis (or Miami-based…no confirmation yet as to where he’s actually from) rapper can be seen on video shoots with Rick Ross, Young Scooter, and his boss Future. Friends, family, and music associates noted that he was “good dude” always quick to lend a helping hand.
The investigation into his untimely death is currently pending. We’ll keep you posted as more information surfaces.
Check out footage of OG Double D’s BTS of “Preach2Them” single:
Prenups: What Is It? When Is It Needed? What Does It Protect?
Although, prenuptial agreements have been implemented in marriages for years, it seems like lately (especially on television) the word “prenup” has been throwed around a lot. For instance, on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi Burruss expressed her need for a prenup to fiance’ Todd. Also, the recent unfortunate announcement from Ex-NFLer Kordell Stewart that he’s divorcing wife Porsha Stewart, revealed that they did not have a prenup in place. Well, with all the talk surrounding prenups, there are people who are not quite aware of what prenuptial agreements entails. In case you are one of those people, here are a few answers to help you understand prenups better.
What Is A Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement is a legal contract between two people prior to marriage (executed at least 6 to 12 months before your wedding date). The contract details how assets acquired before and after the marriage will be distributed in the case of death or divorce. A prenuptial agreement overpowers any local or state laws and is based solely on the couple’s wishes.
What Are The Requirements To Prove The Validity Of A Prenup?
A prenuptial agreement is required to have full disclosure of assets, income, and debts. Both parties must be truthful in what information they provide and disclose in the agreement. Although some states do not require full disclosure, it is still based on the mutual agreement of the parties.
This agreement must be truthful and not of fraudulent information. If it is found that one of the parties were dishonest about their assets or income at the time of the agreement, the prenup will be considered invalid. Therefore, it is suggested that both parties give themselves at least a year to review the agreement, provide accurate information to their lawyers, answer questions, etc.
In addition to the disclosure of each person’s assets and liabilities, the prenup will outline any debt brought into the marriage and who will pay for them. The handling of any investments and additional assets brought into the marriage, as its value increases, will be determined. Inheritances and alimony, in the case of death or divorce, will be determined via the agreement as to when and how long payments will be received.
When Does A Prenup Expire?
This is called a “sunset” provision. The parties can decide if an expiration date is warranted and must be spelled out in their prenuptial agreement.
STATE OF GEORGIA LAWS ON PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS AND DIVORCE
Now, specifically to the state of Georgia, there are other provisions that can be enforced. If a couple aquired property (i.e. home, land, etc) during the marriage, the prenup can spell out how that property will be divided between the two. If property were owned separately prior to the marriage, the prenup can require that those property(s) be kept separate and with the rightful owner. Child custody and child support, in the state of Georgia, is not protected by a prenup and is determined solely by the judge presiding over the case. Addendums (or changes) to the prenuptial agreement can be made during the marriage. But, only in the prescence of witnesses.
The information provided above is set forth so that a person can be financially protected in the case of divorce. Although marriage should be based on spirituality, being equally yoked, and love, it doesn’t hurt to protect those things you’ve worked hard for to achieve. You never know if a marriage will last in this day and age. So, be prepared and protect what is yours.
IRS Tax Code 280E Blows Medical Marijuana Dealers
Being a dispensary of medical marijuana is a big deal in some states. But, recent reports show that this line of business will cost you.
The 1982 280E Reform provision was established to ban those who sell illegal substances from deducting related expenses on their federal taxes. This rule didn’t feel so bad back in the days of heavy drug dealers with yachts, million dollar homes, etc. Unfortunately, the 280E has put a heavy burden on the shops who dispenses the green cohiba. In the 18 states that has legalized the sell of marijuana, purveyors have seen an daunting increase in tax audits and their tax rates.
In some instances, owners have seen their tax rates jump form 50% to 75%. The increase is due to the IRS not allowing them to claim everyday business expenses (i.e. rent, payroll, etc) on their taxes. The high rate has effected business owners in ways that they can’t even give their employees annual raises.
Jim Marty, an accountant in Colorado specializing in medicinal marijuana tax law, said he has one client that didn’t turn a profit in 2009, 2010 or 2011. In 2012, though, she was handed a $300,000 tax bill from the IRS for those three proceeding years.
Entrepreneurs whose businesses are legal under state laws are getting hammered by outdated federal tax rules.
“If you have a license from the state hanging on your wall, that doesn’t fit the definition of trafficking,” Marty said. “Yet the IRS is aggressively auditing this industry.”
He said he often sees clients facing effective tax bills of 65% to 75%. That compares to 15% to 30% for businesses in general.
What does the IRS have to say today? Nothing. According to a letter sent to a congressman in 2011, the IRS stated that in order for them to change their practices, Congress will need to change the law if medical marijuana dealers do not want to be effected by the 280E provision.
Source: CNN Money
Hold Up Ye’! Kardashian-Humphries Divorce Case Hits Brickwall
Kanye’s been dropping racks on racks on racks on his boo Kim Kardashian lately. But, one thing she has yet to receive is a ring. Just in case Kanye has plans to propose anytime soon, he may want to hold up on that for minute.
After 3 million+ viewers witnessed the worldwind romance between Kim and Kris Humphries, the unfortunate 72-day split caused a frenzy in the media. Well, the divorce settlement is in a frenzy of its on. Lawyers of both parties have been going back and forth for months with no resolution. The reason is that Humphries believes there was “no intention of proceeding with this marriage. That it was basically a contrivance for the benefit of her show and to make money,” says attorney Marshall Waller.
The bickering between the two camps has frustrated both Kim and Kris. While Kim has racked up over $200,000 in lawyer fees, Humphries and his team have slowed the process until records are provided that can prove the marriage was a fraud. Humphries team has requested reality show transcripts, depositions from her mother Kris Jenner and current boyfriend Kanye West.
Next week, Humphries and his girlfriend will undergo questioning. Until a decision is made on whether those detail records will be handed over to Humphries, Kim and Kris will not be officially divorced until 2013.
Photo: US Magazine
Discrimination Lawsuit Hits Popular ‘Fountainebleau’ Club
Have you ever been to South Beach, Miami, ready to get your party on, but were not allowed to get into a club?
Well, four African-American women (some with Hispanic ties) claims that they were prevented from stepping inside one of Miami’s hippest night spots. According to their civil rights and criminal law attorney, David Kubiliun, the four women were told they could not enter the Arkadia Lounge (which is located in the popular and infamous Fountainebleau Hotel) because of their race. A guy claiming to be one of the club promoters, also sent a text message to the ladies in support of their discrimination claims.
The texts sent by this club promoter, Dudley, will be used as a key peice of evidence if this case goes to court. According to Dudley, this isn’t the first time the club ( and other clubs on South Beach) has discriminated against blacks. Here’s what he texted one of the girls:
“This is south beach a shallow self serving superficial place. They pay me 300 a night to bring attractive women to their establishment and or cats who spend dough. I know what it is going in [on],” Dudley’s texts read. “I’ve always been kind and accommodating to you and you’ve never shown me any appreciation which is fine. I don’t need it this is what I do because I like you I tried to cordially give you a heads up warning cause the only reason they let your girls in last time was because I fought to get em in. Its a double standard @ the fountainbleu. White chics can be ok. Black chics gotta look twice as good and they only cater to a so called urban crowd on thursdays and sundays. Peace and love.”
In another text, Dudley claimed he had to fight to get Lopez and a few other Black women into the club, even after rejecting his own family members.
“Don’t take this the wrong way but how do they look?,” said Dudley in a series of texts. “One of my cuzns came down with 5 girls from tampa last week and the[y] didn’t let them in because of that bullsh–. Chics that they don’t feel are hot enough or overweight. I’m not saying if they were white they wouldve got in.”
If this isn’t blatant discrimination, I don’t know what is! I myself travel to Miami quite often and have seen first hand how the club promoters “pick and choose” who they want in the club. The clubs on South Beach are good for doing that. Dudley is telling the truth. If the guys at the door don’t feel like you look good enough or look as if you got $$$, then it’s a NO-GO.
Check out NBC Miami’s coverage of the issue below:
HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED DISCRIMINATION AT A CLUB? TELL US YOUR STORY.
Foolery: Oklahoma Granny Busted with Weed and $276,000
An Oklahoma grandmother got arrested with illegal narcotics. Investigators suspect that Darlene Mayes is a major player in a drug ring in the state. She was found , in her home, with 4 pounds of marijuana and $276,000 cash. In addition, cops found $15,000 in racks tucked away in her home. Mayes claims that the money was from her retirement fund.
Check out the video:
Law enforcement says Granny Mayes illegal operation reaches all the way to Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas.
Senior citizens pushing weight now! What is the world coming to??!!
$200 Million Discrimination Suit Underway
First spotted at BET.com, a food services company is being served with a $200 million dollar race and color discrimination lawsuit by eleven of its current and former employees.
The suit filed by Thompson, Widgor & Gilly, LLP are seeking damages on behalf of these employees that claim that ” they have been treated unfairly by the Companies because of their race and/or color of their skin. The Complaint states that they were called names, such as the “N-word,” “Gorilla,” “Monkey,” “Chimps” and “Chim Chim” by their white supervisors and managers and denied certain opportunities and benefits provided to their white co-workers. The Complaint also alleges that the former employees of color were fired unlawfully for no good reason and because of their race, the color of their skin or because they complained to management that they were being treated differently than their white co-workers by their supervisors.”
A representative from the Compass Group contends that “Compass Group has clear and strong policies, that embrace diversity, inclusion and respect in the workplace and prohibit any sort of behavior that is contrary to these values.”
No further details of the suit at this time.
*Compass Group is a market leader in providing food and a range of selected support services to customers in the workplace, in schools and colleges, in hospitals, at leisure or in remote environments.
Tears for Jennifer
STACKS Magazine would like to give our condolences to award winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson. According to reports, Hudson’s mother and brother were found fatally shot to death Friday afternoon in Chicago. The incident is said to be a result of a domestic dispute. Reports also said that Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was taken from the scene. Police have issued an amber alert for the missing child and a reward has been offered for his safe return. Hudson’s brother-in-law, William Balfour, was arrested Saturday and charged with a parole violation and is said to be a person of interest in the double homocide. Balfour is the estranged husband of Hudson’s sister, Julia, and is the step-father of the missing child.
Hudson’s publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said in a statement:
“We can confirm that there is an ongoing investigation concerning the deaths of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. No further comment will be made and the family has asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
UPDATE: We’re sad to report that news updates have revealed that the body of Jennifer’s nepwhew, Julian King, has been found inside a SUV that was also taken from the crime scene.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her family during this extremely difficult time!
RealDVD Seeks “Ok” For Movie Downloading
RealNetworks, the owner of RealDVD software, is currently in a legal battle with the film industry over movie downloads. Reuters reports that RealDVD is in compliance with their DVD Copy Control Association’s license agreement.
On the other hand, the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) suit accuses RealNetworks of violating the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act by manipulating the copyright protection technology built into DVDs. The MPAA contends the law does not provide fair-use protections that RealNetworks said apply to its RealDVD.
The software allows users to create a copy of a DVD for their computer’s internal or portable hard drive.
RealNetworks said RealDVD gives consumers the ability to do with movie or TV show DVDs what they already do with music CDs, and RealDVD eliminates the hassle of searching for a missing DVD or dealing with a scratched and unplayable disc.
The company also said its product allows customers to view DVDs while traveling with a computer.
The MPAA disagress and is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the selling of the RealDVD software.
But RealNetworks believes that they are within regulations since they have a built-in encryption to prevent saved copies of DVDs from being shared or stolen.
The MPAA companies that are a part of this lawsuit are DVD Copy Control Association Inc, Disney Enterprises Inc, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp, NBC Universal Inc, Warner Bros Entertainment Inc and Viacom Inc.
O.J. gets exploited by media for $210,000
O.J. Simpson and Thomas Riccio during better times.
MSNBC reports that the man behind the O.J. memorabilia fiasco, received $210, 000 from media outlets.
Thomas Riccio revealed in court that media outlets paid him a total of $210,000 for his recordings prior to him turning them over to the Las Vegas police. The taped recordings are said to include information regarding the armed robbery that took place.
Yale Galanter, O.J. Simpson’s lawyer, cross-examined Mr. Riccio in an effort to lay out Simpson’s defense that O.J. did not intend to profit when he and several men confronted the dealers over the memorabilia. Instead, Simpson just wanted to retrieve his stolen mementos.
Riccio did admit that he didn’t think O.J. was there to cause harm, but instead just wanted his heirlooms back to give to his kids.
It also came out in court that Riccio accepted, in detail, $150,000 by TMZ, $25,000 by “Entertainment Tonight,” $20,000 by Howard Stern’s show and $15,000 by ABC under the decoy of buying a photo of Riccio and Simpson.
Riccio is also said to have written a book about the ordeal. The amount of his book deal has not been disclosed. (Pic Source)
The Simpson trial began this month. Simpson faces 12 charges, including felony, kidnapping, armed robbery, and conspiracy.
Ne-Yo wins lawsuit against R. Kelly
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
R&B singer, Ne-Yo, was recently awarded $700,320 in anticipated tour revenues by a Los Angeles superior court judge.
Earlier this year, he was dropped from the Double-Up tour in which R. Kelly and Ne-Yo were co-headliners. Ne-Yo was banned from touring after the media noticed that fans and critics preferred his live performance over R. Kelly’s. Apparently, R. Kelly and his team didn’t appreciate that. So after only two shows, Ne-Yo was dropped.
The lawsuit filed claimed that Ne-Yo was due to be paid $785,000 for the 25-date tour and was still owed $735,000. R. Kelly and his lawyers never responded to the case. So the courts ordered Rowe Entertainment to pay Ne-Yo and his touring company damages over the dispute.
Ne-Yo’s new album, Year of the Gentleman, is scheduled for release on September 15. (Source)
Wyclef “blings” out on bill
According to the Associated Press, Wyclef Jean is now being accused of bailing out on a $319,680 bling bill.
Jacob the Jeweler, filed a lawsuit in New York yesterday claiming that Wyclef owes money for watches and jewelry. The items were purchased over a four year time span and he’s yet to pay for it all.
Jacob and Company Incorporated says although they’ve made “repeated demands for payment”, Wyclef has not responded or paid up.
More legal woes for the Fireman
(Photo Source)
Just when Lil Wayne thought he was experiencing the best moment of his career (from the recent 1.2 million + sales of The Carter 3), he was hit with a copyright infringement lawsuit.
Abcko Music Inc accuses Weezy of using a “clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way” in his Carter 3 bonus track called “Playing with Fire”.
In one example, the lawsuit said a lyric from the Stones song is “But don’t play with me, ’cause you’re playing with fire,” and the Lil Wayne version has the line, “But you can’t blame me if I set this stage on fire.”
Abkco representatives says that Weezy’s version is explicit, sexist, and offensive. Therefore, they do not want the public to be confused and believe that the Rolling Stones authorized this revised version of their song.
Also being sued are all collaborators on the record, Cash Money Records, and a unit of the Universal Music Group. As of now, representatives from Universal has not issued a statement.
Abkco’s lawsuit filed with Manhattan courts seeks unspecified damages.
The Rolling Stones originally recorded their song “Play with Fire” in 1965.(Source)
Lord…please give DMX a sign!
It’s like you’re watching the evolution of DMX everyday in the news…
The arresting officer claims he spotted Mr. Simmons hanging out with a group of friends at a Pheonix Metrocenter mall. The officer arrested DMX after running his name through the police database and locating his existing warrant.
This marks the 5th arrest for DMX within three months. Mr. Simmons has a long list of charges ranging from animal cruelty, felony drug possession, speeding on a suspended license, and oustanding warrants. (Source1, Source2)
“…and i’m still going through it/pain and the hurt/ soaking up trouble like rain in the dirt…” from his song Lord Give Me A Sign off the 2006 Year of the Dog album.
Death Row Records Sold!!!
The New York based Global Music Group Inc. announced Monday that it purchased Death Row Records for $24 million. GMG also stated that the purchase included a huge back catalog of music and the contracts of the current artists.
Death Row Records was the hip hop label home of some of the greatest gangsta rappers in music history, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. With the mismanagement and incarceration of its known owner, Suge Knight, the label eventually collapsed.
In 2006, a couple claimed they help found the label and won a judgement against Suge Knight in the amount of $107 million. But Suge was unable to pay and filed for bankruptcy in April 2006.
Global Music Group, an independent label, will now own albums from Dr. Dre “The Chronic”, Tupac’s “All Eyez on Me” and Snoop Dogg’s “Doggystyle.” Other assets obtained may include unreleased material from the late Tupac Shakur. So for the Tupac lovers, you will probably see another album soon.
Trademark Laws Help Ebay Even the Score
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has ruled in favor of Ebay in the trademark infringement law suit brought against them by Tiffany’s. Similiar to the $61.3 million loss Ebay suffered in the case with LVMH, jewelry manufacturer Tiffanys’ did not get the same results…. thanks to trademark laws. Says the court, “it is the trademark owner’s burden to maintain and enforce its mark, the traditional understanding in U.S. trademark law. Tiffany, the court said, failed in its burden to prove its claims.” (Photo Source)
In the suit Tiffany & Co. claimed that eBay’s sale of counterfeit goods resulted in trademark dilution, false advertising and unfair competition. When the case opened last November, James Swire, a lawyer for Tiffany, said that a full 75% of 325 items that Tiffany has bought on eBay through a buying program the company started in 2004 were counterfeit. But the ruling by Judge Richard Sullivan at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday puts the onus for policing its brand on Tiffany. The ruling said the company failed to prove that eBay was liable for the sale of the goods. As in other cases, eBay argued that it is merely a host for buyers and sellers. That argument didn’t fly in France but Judge Sullivan said in his opinion that “Given Tiffany’s choice to sue eBay, rather than individual sellers, and this Court’s conclusion that eBay does not continue to supply its services to those whom it knows or has reason to know are infringing Tiffany’s trademarks, Tiffany’s claims against eBay must fail.”
Check it…
A French court ruled that Ebay was responsible for counterfeit items sold on it’s site and for selling genuine products outside of authorized channels. And lest not forget that 2 weeks prior the same French court ruled in favor of Hermes in a case they brought against eBay that involved the sales of fake handbags.
Oh, but over on this side of the water – you know, the land of opportunity – favor goes to eBay rather than to Tiffany & Co. Things that make you go hhhmmmmm.
Get ready, because I am sure this is not the last in a long line of similiar litigations against this online auction giant.
See our previous post about trademark infringment.
Is Your Trademark Registration Secure?
A growing number of aggressive decisions by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) and the courts on the issue of fraud in the trademark application process has attorneys and industry watchers concerned about the repercussions for the apparel industry.
