S. Samuel
Young Money rapper Drake and Chris Brown's publcized New York City brawl this past June may cost the music rivals $16 million as both artists now face a hefty lawsuit.
According to reports, owners of the Manhattan nightclub have sought legal action in light of the post-brawl effects.
Greenhouse, on Vandam Street, shares space, owners and a liquor license with W.i.P. — the bar where the fight occurred June 14. Owners of the Greenhouse trademark claim in court papers that the melee, which left at least seven people injured — including hoops star Tony Parker — cost them a $4 million licensing deal that they’d recently brokered. Publicists for Drake and Brown have tried to distance the men from the fight over their former flame, Rihanna. But the lawsuit, brought by Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., which owns the Greenhouse name, alleges they were directly involved. (New York Daily News)
The suit specifically cites Drizzy and Brown for not considering their celebrity status amongst clubgoers.
The lawsuit said Brown and Drake “should have seen that their notoriety and celebrity would ensure that their acts had far-reaching and devastating effects.” The Greenhouse name would not have been destroyed if they hadn’t fought, the lawsuit said. (ABC News)
Days after the June incident, reports claimed Drake denied playing any role in the violence.
Drake is adamant … he is not responsible for the bloody gash on Chris Brown’s face … claiming he was simply leaving the nightclub when the brawl broke out … but sources tell us, the fight started after Chris Brown and a rapper at Drake’s table started trash talking each other. The rapper hanging with Drake — Meek Mill — was screaming at Chris and Chris was giving it right back to Meek Mill. One of Chris’ lieutenants was also involved in the screaming match. One source says Chris was hurt when Meek Mill hit him with a bottle. A rep for Drake tells TMZ … “Drake did not participate in any wrongdoing of any kind last night at W.i.P. He was on his way out of the club when the altercation began.” The rep adds, “[Drake] did not engage in any activity which resulted in injury to person or damage to property.” (TMZ)
Footage from the brawl began circulating online hours after it all went down.
Drake is denying rumors that he administered a viciously epic fade to Chris Brown and his cohorts. Reps for the Young Money rapper sent a statement to Hip-Hop Wired stating that the allegations regarding his involvement are false. Here’s a recent unofficial video we just got that is allegedly during the time the altercation was going on! You can hear the crowd reacting to the fight (in the far right) but it’s kinda hard to tell if it’s Drake and Chris Brown’s camp. (The Box Houston)
