S. Samuel
Bad Boy Records' French Montana, Fabolous, Meek Mill and more are accused of doing shady business to a New York concert promoter causing him to lose over $100,000 for a nixed performance.
Details of the accusations and allegations surfaced online Friday (August 16).
Our Firefighters Children’s Foundation shelled out $48,500 to rappers Montana, Fabolous and Meek Mill and VH1 reality star Olivia Longott to perform at a “stop the violence” concert slated for Saturday. But the singers violated a non-compete clause in their contract with foundation CEO John Ruiz — signing up to perform a similar show in the same month, Ruiz said. As a result, Ruiz says his ticket sales cratered and he canceled the show. In the end, he sold just 200 ducats, far from the 3,300-seat capacity of the United Palace Theater — and he says he’s out $120,000. “The contract said they couldn’t perform within 30 days of my concert in a 80-mile radius,” said Ruiz. “They didn’t do what they were supposed to do. “Once they got the money, they were gone,” added Ruiz, who runs the nonprofit out of his apartment in the Taft Houses. “They don’t care about stopping the violence.” Ruiz, a 59-year-old former FDNY firefighter, will rally Saturday at the mammoth Washington Heights theater to call for a boycott the rappers. (New York Daily News)
While Meek Mill did return a downpayment, the others have yet to cough up any money.
When Ruiz discovered his commissioned stars were headlining the Aug. 31 STARFEST Music Jam at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island, emotions went cray cray and he demanded his money back. Only Meek Mill, a prodigy of hip hopper Rick Ross, returned the $15,000 down payment. Fabolous blamed Ruiz. “We never got any of the forms,” said Kevin Webb, the rapper’s manager. When asked if the platinum-selling “Breathe” crooner was going to return the $15,000 fee, Webb barked, “I am not going to comment.” (New York Daily News)
Former G-Unit member Olivia is reportedly keeping the $3,500 down payment.
Reps for French Montana did not respond to messages. Ruiz said Montana also owes him $15,000. Longott, a cast member on “Love and Hip Hop,” is keeping Ruiz’ $3,500, her manager Rich “Dollaz” Trowers vowed. “You give out a deposit and you cancel the concert, you don’t get your money back,” said Trowers, pointing out Longott was not appearing in the Staten Island show and never broke her contract with Ruiz. “It doesn’t sound like this is our problem,” Trowers said. (New York Daily News)
