Rapper Belly Files Lawsuit Against Coachella Organizer Goldenvoice
Rapper Belly Files Lawsuit Against Coachella Organizer Goldenvoice
by Contributing Editor
The rapper Belly Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Goldenvoice — the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival organizer — along with the event’s security company, IPS Security.
The rapper, whose real name is Ahmad Balshe, claims he was attacked by about 25 security guards without provocation during the festival in April 2018, according to TMZ, which first reported on the suit.
Balshe claims he received injuries to his face and head, along with neurological damage, and is suing for battery, negligence and emotional distress in a lawsuit filed Tuesday, The Desert Sun reported.
The incident was caught on a cellphone video published by TMZ.
In court documents obtained by The Desert Sun, Balshe claims after performing in the festival’s Gobi Tent, he went to watch a performance by The Weeknd on the main stage and entered a VIP backstage area with his security team and “all necessary credentials.” At that point, the suit alleges, Balshe was attacked by festival security and repeatedly grabbed, punched, kicked and choked.
“This sickening and unprovoked brutal assault on Belly by Coachella security is disturbing on so many levels,” Balshe’s attorney, Ben Meiselas of Geragos & Geragos, told The Desert Sun.
“We will hold all those involved accountable in court, deliver justice for Belly, and make sure this lawsuit prevents other artists and fans from being victimized by this type of outrageous and violence behavior.”
Neither Goldenvoice nor IPS Security immediately responded to requests for comment made late Tuesday afternoon.
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All credit goes to Contributing Editor
Originally published on https://mynewsla.com
