Azealia Banks has accused her former manager Jeff Kwatinetz of psychological and emotional abuse. The rapper filed for a temporary restraining order against Kwatinetz, according to court documents. Banks alleged that the reported abuse continued for more than a decade.
Azealia claims Jeff Kwatinetz psychologically and emotionally abused her
As per TMZ, Banks filed the request Monday, seeking protection from her former manager. In the filing, she accused Kwatinetz of psychological and emotional abuse dating back to 2014. She also described their past relationship as “intimate and very close.”
Banks alleged that Kwatinetz mixed their personal relationship with his control over her career. She claimed he pressured her into signing a life insurance policy while she was intoxicated. Banks recalled, “He gave me expensive red wine and put the policy in front of me when I was drunk, and we were cozied up.”
The rapper also made allegations involving private security and surveillance. She claimed Kwatinetz hired a security company to “locate and profile” her. Banks alleged that she noticed unfamiliar vehicles near her homes after moving between states.
Banks further accused Kwatinetz of coercive control, financial exploitation, and blackmail. She claimed the alleged conduct most recently occurred in November. The filing also includes a request for protection for her mother, sister, niece, and nephew. Banks expressed her concern that Kwatinetz could allegedly attempt to contact them to reach her.
Kwatinetz’s attorney, Michael E. Weinsten, strongly rejected Banks’ claims. “This purported filing by Ms Banks is just the latest desperate … act from someone who has already been found liable in a court of law for defaming my client over many years, threatening this family, interfering with his business and other outrageous conduct,” he told TMZ.
Kwatinetz had sued Banks in 2020 over allegations including defamation and stalking. Banks denied those allegations and later filed a countersuit. Her claims were ultimately dismissed while Kwatinetz’s lawsuit remains ongoing.
Banks is asking for a stay-away and no-conduct order against Kwatinetz. She also wants the alleged life insurance policy disclosed and canceled. Additionally, she requested permission to attend future hearings remotely.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
