R Kelly has been sued by his former manager, who claims he was cheated out of his commission while the singer settled accusations of sexual impropriety. Jeff Kwatinetz is seeking $1m (£617,000) for breach of oral contract and fraud, stemming from events in mid-2008, at the height of Kelly's child pornography trial. Kelly was acquitted on all 14 charges.
In court documents obtained by TMZ, Kwatinetz claimed he "guided Kelly through the recording of two new albums, substantial multi-million dollar tours ... a book deal, and a myriad of other appearances and events", for which he was apparently entitled to a 15% commission. Kwatinetz said he never received his full payment; Kelly's business manager purportedly said these monies "were needed for payments to avoid lawsuits and adverse publicity resulting from Kelly's [child pornography suit]".
A spokesperson for Kelly denied these accusations, criticising Kwatinetz for feeling "the need to lash out and dish what he thinks is dirt against a former client". "Mr Kwatinetz is a disgruntled former manager who apparently feels the need to try to seek retribution for his discharge," they said. "[His] complaint is a collection of half-truths, distortions, and outright fabrications."
Kwatinetz is no industry lightweight. Previously CEO of The Firm, a powerhouse management company, he has represented artists including Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Clarkson, Korn, and, briefly, Britney Spears. "We are confident his allegations will be found to be completely without merit," Kelly's spokesperson insisted. No trial date has yet been set.
