50 Cent sued by former employee over threats and harassment claims
50 Cent is facing a lawsuit from a former staff member who claims he threatened and harassed her.
The woman, named Monique Mayers, claims the actions took place after refusing to take part in illegal activity.
According to Billboard, a lawsuit filed in Georgia federal court on April 30th alleges the rapper “waged a years‑long campaign of retaliation, harassment, and intimidation.”
Mayers worked as a senior executive for 12 years but claims she was fired for refusing to take part in bankruptcy fraud and lying to the police to set up his bodyguard.
Her lawyer said, “[50] ran his workplace the same way he built his public persona: through fear, humiliation, loyalty tests, and punishment. Ms Mayers would not lie to police. She would not frame another person. She would not risk federal charges or prison to protect [50]’s secrets.”
Mayers claims 50 carried out over 80 harassing and threatening calls and messages, and that she would “suffer the consequences” if she didn’t “protect his secrets.”
The complaint continues, “[50] demanded illegal favours because he believed people around him existed to serve his needs, protect his image, and absorb his risks. When Ms Mayers rightfully refused, [50] fired her. Then he used texts, calls, threats, and grotesquely outrageous deposition conduct to punish her, frighten her, and attempt to force her silence.”
Mayers is accusing 50 of intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy, and wants an unspecified amount of damages for severe emotional distress.
In response to the allegations, 50’s attorney said they “categorically and strenuously deny the baseless allegations” and that the lawsuit is “nothing more than a stunt to garner media attention and damage Mr Jackson’s reputation.”
She added, “Ms Mayers is a disgruntled former employee who was terminated for cause over five years ago. This lawsuit is nothing more than a transparent attempt to use the guise of a legal proceeding to seek an unjustified payday well outside of the applicable statute of limitations.”