Federal judge issues warning to rapper T.I. in lawsuit linked to Sabrina Peterson
A federal judge has cautioned rapper Clifford "T.I." Harris that the defamation lawsuit involving Sabrina Peterson may face dismissal due to improper serving of court documents to the plaintiff.
During a hearing in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on Thursday (March 6), Judge Fernando M. Olguin issued an Order to Show Cause, citing lack of prosecution. T.I. has yet to provide evidence of serving the summons and complaint to Peterson, a necessary requirement within 90 days of filing, as per a court document acquired by AllHipHop.
The judge emphasized the importance of following the legal timeline, stating, "Absent a showing of good cause, an action must be dismissed without prejudice if the summons and complaint are not served on a defendant within 90 days after the complaint is filed." Failure to adhere to the deadline of March 13, 2025, could lead to the dismissal of the case.
The legal dispute traces back to conflicts between T.I., his wife Tiny Harris, and Peterson, who has accused the couple of misconduct. Peterson previously alleged in January 2021 via Instagram that T.I. assaulted her, brandishing a gun and threatening her life. However, as Peterson has not received official service of court documents, she has not responded formally to the claims.
T.I.'s attorney, Andrew Brettler, criticized Peterson for evading the legal process, claiming that she knowingly avoided accepting service. Brettler urged the judge to dismiss the case, accusing Peterson of wasting time and resources while professing a desire to have her day in court publicly.
"We're here on a contempt because the plaintiff has not taken this case seriously for the last three years," Brettler stated. "She's refusing to accept service or engage in the case. Her lawyers want to withdraw, yet she claims she is eager for a trial in June on social media. It's absurd. They're not treating their own case seriously. We request a dismissal with prejudice. Should they decide to proceed properly, they may refile."
Unless T.I. provides proof of service, a response from Peterson, or an application for default entry by the deadline, it is anticipated that the judge will dismiss the case due to lack of prosecution.