Kenneth Petty is facing mounting pressure to present financial records that could uncover the truth about his purported role as Nicki Minaj's employee, in the midst of potential consequences in a lawsuit linked to his previous actions.
Legal issues are escalating for Kenneth Petty as his alleged position as Nicki Minaj's manager takes the spotlight in a tense courtroom battle. Accusations of unreported earnings, evasive testimonies, and what lawyer Tyrone Blackburn deems as deliberate non-compliance with court-directed discovery are casting a shadow on Nicki Minaj's husband as the lawsuit filed by Jennifer Hough, his alleged rape victim from 1994, progresses.
Hough's legal team is requesting Petty to furnish seven years' worth of financial and occupational records. This demand arises following claims that Petty has been dodging providing essential tax papers, bank statements, and work agreements even after acknowledging in court that he worked as Minaj's manager.
Blackburn expressed concern over inconsistencies in Petty's deposition statements, highlighting that his stated income does not align with his extravagant lifestyle, including extensive travels on Minaj's global tours.
Recent court proceedings reveal Petty initially denied any earnings, but during a deposition in December 2024, he disclosed being Minaj's employee. He failed to adequately detail his travel with her on tours from 2018 to 2024, such as Pink Friday 2, Rolling Loud, and Coachella.
Blackburn emphasized that Petty's accompanied Minaj on various tours during that period, indicating ongoing employment. He added that security personnel for renowned artists are generously compensated, often receiving substantial annual salaries.
The financial revelations are critical, particularly as Hough is seeking punitive damages against Petty. Apart from disclosing his income as Minaj's purported manager, he is pressed to clarify compensation for other roles he reportedly assumed, like her security guard and even nanny.
The motion underscores industry standards where managers typically receive 20% of an artist's total income, implying potentially substantial earnings for Petty due to his wife's significant earning capacity. Nevertheless, Blackburn pointed out that Petty has not provided any tax returns or work records, despite court orders necessitating their submission based on Hough's allegations.
Hough initially sued Petty and Minaj in 2021 for alleged harassment and intimidation after she declined to retract her rape accusation from years ago. While the claims against Minaj were dismissed, the case against Kenneth Petty continues, with a focus on his finances.
Blackburn is advocating for penalties, including monetary fines and a potential court ruling for contempt, due to Petty's failure to share taxation papers and financial records, a move that violates court directives and established legal guidelines.