Young Thug had been contracted to appear at a 2021 concert at the New York Fairgrounds — but when the State of New York and other entities allegedly failed to do their due diligence in promoting and otherwise selling the tickets, the concert was canceled.
The promoters almost immediately filed suit, claiming that the reason the concert failed was due to what they called “racial animus” towards the relevant parties, according to The New York Law Journal.
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“Defendants’ failure to fulfill their contractual obligations was allegedly grounded on racial animus toward plaintiffs, to the race of Young Thug, to the concert, and to the perceived race of the anticipated concertgoers,” reported the outlet.
However, in a decision rendered earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes of the Northern District of New York granted the State of New York’s request to dismiss the case on the grounds that the state, as an entity, is a corporation and not a person.
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Court documents obtained by HipHopDX, though, reveal that the Plaintiffs have filed for leave to re-file the lawsuit on additional tortious grounds, for which the remaining responding defendants — including the New York Fairgrounds — have requested more time to respond.
While Young Thug wasn’t directly involved in the New York concert lawsuit, he was sued for his role in a canceled concert in Atlanta, GA, in August 2022, shortly after he was incarcerated for his alleged role in the larger YSL RICO trial.
The rapper (real name Jeffery Williams) reportedly agreed to perform a “Young Thug and Friends” show at State Farm Arena on June 18, but due to his incarceration, was unable to deliver.
According to court documents, the concert was organized in January, with Thug set to receive $300,000 for a 45-minute set — half of which has already been paid up front and the rest due to be paid after the event.
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However, the concert promoter, A-1 Concert Entertainment, has claimed they haven’t received the $150,000 advance back. A representative for YSL Touring says a refund will be issued.
“Due to his arrest and the nature of the felony criminal charges against Williams, it was immediately apparent in May 2022 that he would not be able to perform as required in the agreement,” the filing said. “To date, A-1 Concert has not received any reimbursement of the $150,000 owed to it.”
