New York City — The friendship between singer Mary J. Blige and stylist Misa Hylton faces a turbulent divide as they engage in a significant legal conflict over Harlem rapper Vado’s music management. The emerging battle highlights underlying tensions, prompting sharp accusations and claims from both parties.
In recent court documents, Blige has dismissed Hylton’s allegations of contract interference as “frivolous” and “stunning.” Filed late Monday, Blige’s response aims not only to have the lawsuit dismissed but also seeks financial sanctions against Hylton and her legal counsel for what the singer deems meritless litigation.
Blige asserts that Hylton’s firm, M.I.S.A. Management, lacks legal standing as a registered corporation, and that Hylton is not recognized as a licensed talent agent, which contravenes legal requirements. The disagreement has further deepened, with Blige’s legal team accusing Hylton of pursuing the lawsuit with the intent to harass her based on personal grievances.
Hylton’s claims date back to April, with her 18-page lawsuit alleging that Blige tried to persuade Vado, born Teeyon Winfree, to break ties with her and her management firm to join Blige’s company, Beautiful Life Productions. Hylton contends that this situation was exacerbated by the defendants’ actions, which she alleges included exclusion from critical meetings with the rapper held in unprofessional settings.
Furthermore, Vado has joined the legal fray, filing his own lawsuit against Blige, accusing her of withholding his music and claiming damages that include at least $5 million for breach of contract and an additional $5 million for emotional distress.
After Hylton and Winfree initiated their legal actions, Blige’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Lisa Moore, sent a stern letter demanding the immediate withdrawal of claims. Their investigation revealed that Hylton’s management company purportedly did not exist as a legitimate entity in New York.
In their correspondence, they argued that M.I.S.A. Management lacks the necessary legal agreements to support Hylton’s claims of tortious interference and alleged that Winfree’s own actions contributed to delays in his music’s release by failing to provide necessary clearances.
The letter also pointed out that Hylton had already received commission payments exceeding what she was entitled to, stemming from over $300,000 paid to Winfree. Allegations surfaced that Winfree had assessed the possibility of severing ties with Hylton, as indicated in a purported text message.
Requests for comments from Hylton, Winfree, and their legal representative went unanswered. Blige’s attorneys have called for a hearing to address the dismissal motion.
Winfree, known for his role in the hip-hop duo U.N. alongside Cam’ron since 2009, has previously shared collaborative work with Blige on his Instagram, marking a complex relationship now overshadowed by legal challenges.
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