Judge orders JAY-Z deposition in breach of contract lawsuit must be videotaped
A New York City judge has ordered that JAY-Z’s deposition in response to a breach of contract lawsuit must be videotaped — even though he’s afraid the video will be leaked.
Judge Andrew Borrok made the ruling Tuesday, Billboard reports. Jigga was scheduled to be deposed on August 27, but canceled when he was informed it would be videotaped.
His attorneys filed a motion on September 20 noting that “depositions of other high-profile celebrities have been leaked,” and added that his reputation would be damaged if “tabloids like TMZ” got access to the footage.
Borrok says to ease Jay’s fears, each side in the case will receive three watermarked copies of the videotaped deposition, and the original will be destroyed to avoid it being leaked.
The lawsuit involves a deal for a fragrance that Jay made with the company Parlux Fragrances. In 2016, the company sued the rapper, claiming that he declined to promote the fragrance — Gold Jay Z — even though he was under contract to do so. He is accused of “completely and willfully” breaching the contract by failing to do promotional appearances.
The company is suing for $18 million in damages and is also seeking the return of $2 million it paid up front, in addition to the return of stock the company issued to Jay.
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