Rapper Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth 'Zoo' Petty have won a partial dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a security guard who accused Petty of assaulting him at a concert in Germany two years ago.
The security guard, identified as Johannes N., claimed that Petty punched him in the face after he allowed a fan to run on stage during Minaj's performance at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne on March 25, 2022. He also alleged that Minaj and Petty threatened him and his family, and that he suffered physical and emotional injuries as a result.
Johannes N. sued Minaj and Petty for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and loss of consortium. He sought damages of at least $75,000, plus punitive damages, medical expenses, and attorney fees.
However, on February 9, 2024, U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni dismissed the claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress and loss of consortium, saying that they were "excessive" and "unsupported by the evidence". She also dismissed the claims against Minaj, ruling that she was not liable for Petty's actions.
The judge said that Johannes N. failed to show that Minaj and Petty acted with "extreme and outrageous conduct" or that he suffered "severe emotional distress" as required by the law. She also said that Johannes N. did not provide any proof that his relationship with his wife was affected by the incident.
The judge, however, allowed the claims of assault, battery, and negligence against Petty to proceed, saying that there was enough evidence to suggest that Petty used "unreasonable force" against Johannes N. and that he owed him a duty of care.
The judge also ordered Johannes N. to submit more evidence to support his request for damages, such as medical records, bills, and receipts. She gave him until March 15, 2024, to do so.
Minaj and Petty have not commented on the ruling. They have denied the allegations and have countersued Johannes N. for defamation, claiming that he fabricated the story to extort money from them.
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