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Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is facing a lawsuit over alleged sexual misconduct. The label, once home to Kendrick Lamar before his 2022 departure, still includes artist like Schoolboy Q and SZA. However, none of them are mentioned in the lawsuit.
Newsweek broke the story on the lawsuit against TDE, where two women accused executives and employees of sexual harassment, assault, and contract violations. The suit claims TDE management ignored the allegations even after they were informed.
Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the lawsuit describes a toxic culture of harassment within the label, involving top executives. Per Newsweek, the first plaintiff, who joined TDE in 2019 accused chief marketing officer Brandon Tiffith of allegedly making unwanted advances and committing sexual battery. She also purportedly claimed that TDE’s president, Anthony Tiffith Jr., repeatedly harassed her.
Complex notes that the second plaintiff also identified as Jane Doe alleges TDE employees harassed her while she was on the label’s grounds. She also alleges they pressured her into drinking underage to purportedly take advantage of her. Both women are reportedly suing for damages tied to emotional distress, financial loss, and violations of their rights under California law. On top of that, they’re pushing for punitive damages, accusing TDE of enabling its execs misconduct.
Right after the lawsuit news dropped, Marty Singer, TDE’s legal counsel, reached out to The Shade Room, calling the suit nothing more than a shakedown.
This is a clear example of a shakedown lawsuit by Linda Luna and Ayah Altayri who made a demand of $48 million through their attorneys on fabricated claims, and whose attorneys are looking for their ten minutes of fame. There are text messages and communications that totally refute these baseless claims. Additionally, Ms. Luna and Ms. Altayri were never employees of Top Dawg Entertainment. We are confident that we will prevail in this action.
In an official statement in a press release, attorney Shounak Dharap said both women are set on holding Top Dawg Entertainment accountable.
“This lawsuit presents a glaring example of the systemic abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry. Our clients trusted TDE to act with integrity and professionalism. Instead, their trust was betrayed in profoundly damaging ways. They’re bringing this lawsuit because they refuse to be silenced, and because they intend to hold TDE accountable in court,” Attorney Dharap explained.
Social media users flooded The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions to the lawsuit against Top Dawg Entertainment executives and employees. See some of their thoughts below.
Instagram user @gmdrno_v wrote, “Reporting on this a week before the supper bowl and day before the Grammys look a bit suspicious and strategic, the lawsuit was filed in December.”
Instagram user @3timesfalife_ wrote, “Tryna come up wit anything before the Super Bowl lol.”
While Instagram user @blxckpolitics wrote, “Just leave Kendrick out of it thanks.”
Then Instagram user @king_drillmonger wrote, “And Kendrick has nothing to do with this…..ON TO THE SUPER BOWL #NotLikeUs”
Another Instagram user @king_drillmonger wrote, “OVO is working overtime ”
Instagram user @jazzy_jerri wrote, “All I got to say is……this is weird timing.”
While another Instagram user @evalynrose_ wrote, “Drake please!!! give it up!”
Instagram user @angel.kendall1 wrote, “Kendrick is no longer represented by TDE he parted ways with them.”
Finally, Instagram user @coolbreeeze357 wrote, “Nothing but a scheme to rain on Kendricks Super Bowl parade.”
