More than two decades after Aaliyah’s tragic death, her family is embroiled in a new legal battle involving money, music rights and allegations surrounding the singer’s final trip to the Bahamas. According to court documents reported by TMZ, Aaliyah’s cousin Jomo Hankerson has sued his father, Barry Hankerson, and Blackground Records over a previous settlement involving valuable music assets. Barry, who was Aaliyah’s uncle and longtime manager, has responded with allegations involving Jomo’s role in coordinating travel for Aaliyah’s 2001 music video shoot. Barry claims Jomo was paid to arrange travel for Aaliyah and the team traveling to the Bahamas, where the singer was filming shortly before the fatal August 2001 plane crash that killed her and everyone else aboard. In court filings, Barry alleged that Jomo failed to fulfill his responsibility and claimed the tragedy “may have been avoided” had the arrangements been properly handled. Barry also said Aaliyah’s death permanently damaged his relationship with his son. Jomo has denied the allegations connected to the trip and has accused his father of violating an agreement concerning recording masters and music publishing rights involving Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, DMX and Timbaland. Jomo claims he was entitled to 12% of the revenue Barry generated from the disputed music assets and alleges that Blackground Records was used to conceal money and create expenses unrelated to those assets. He is seeking more than $1.2 million in damages. Barry has denied wrongdoing and contends that the settlement agreement is invalid because fraud was involved in its execution. He has also accused Jomo of threatening to release unreleased Aaliyah recordings if his financial demands were not met, an allegation Jomo denies. With both sides disputing the accusations, the court has yet to resolve the family’s ongoing legal fight.

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has parted ways with his private legal team and chosen to be represented by public defenders in his high-profile murder case. The unexpected decision was revealed Monday during a Los Angeles courtroom hearing. After meeting with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in chambers, defense attorney Blair Berk informed the court that Burke wanted to proceed with a public defender. When Judge Olmedo asked Burke directly if that was his wish, the 21-year-old responded, “Yes.” The change in representation came during what was expected to be a routine pretrial hearing. Judge Olmedo entered not-guilty pleas on Burke’s behalf and ordered all parties to return to court on October 19. As the hearing concluded, Burke smiled and shook hands with Berk and Regina Peter, his now-former attorneys. The development follows Judge Olmedo’s July 27 ruling that Burke must stand trial after prosecutors presented evidence during a preliminary hearing related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke was arrested April 16 at a home on Marmont Avenue in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Hills. Authorities say Hernandez’s remains were discovered on September 8 of last year inside the trunk of a Tesla that had been impounded at Hollywood Tow after police received reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle. Prosecutors have also cited text messages between Hernandez and Burke as part of the case, including exchanges in which Hernandez discussed becoming pregnant at 13 and having an abortion. In one conversation from early January 2024, Burke allegedly apologized to Hernandez for “putting her through this.” The allegations remain unresolved in court, and Burke is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

C+C Music Factory co-founder Robert Clivillés has filed a federal lawsuit against longtime creative partner Frederick “Freedom” Williams, alleging that Williams improperly used the group’s name for decades. The nine-count complaint, filed August 14 in the Eastern District of New York, seeks at least $10 million in compensatory damages, with potential treble damages under the Lanham Act increasing the trademark-related claim to $30 million. Clivillés is also seeking punitive damages and an injunction preventing further unauthorized use of the name. At the center of the dispute is ownership of the C+C Music Factory name. According to the complaint, the initials refer specifically to Clivillés and the late David Cole, who formed the group in New York City in 1990. Clivillés claims an estate settlement agreement reached with Cole’s estate in 1996 made him the sole authorized user of the C+C Music Factory name and brand. The lawsuit characterizes Williams as a featured performer rather than a founder or co-owner, noting that several other vocalists also contributed to the group’s recordings. The complaint alleges that Williams began performing as C+C Music Factory without Clivillés’ authorization after pursuing a solo career, eventually earning thousands of dollars per performance. Clivillés is asking the court to cancel a C+C Music Factory trademark currently held by Williams’ company, Freedom Williams Entertainment LLC. The lawsuit also cites a June 2026 recording, “Into the Future,” as an example of alleged unauthorized use. The nine claims include trademark infringement, fraud, unfair competition, unjust enrichment, defamation and breach of contract.

Beyoncé is remembering Dolly Parton as an influential force who encouraged generations to embrace their individuality. Following Parton’s death at age 80, the “Cowboy Carter” singer shared an emotional tribute on her website, describing the country legend as “bold and brilliant” and “the north star.” Beyoncé praised Parton’s impact through music, philanthropy, humor and business, while reflecting on the lessons she taught about being unapologetically yourself. The two artists famously collaborated on Beyoncé’s 2024 album Cowboy Carter, with Parton appearing on the project and introducing Beyoncé’s reimagined version of her classic song “Jolene.” Reflecting on their collaboration, Beyoncé expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the country icon and praised the joy Parton brought to the world through her art. She concluded her message by calling Parton “truly one of one” and wishing her a peaceful rest. Parton died Tuesday at 80 following a brief battle with cancer, according to reports. Her representatives said she was surrounded by loved ones at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. Beyoncé is among numerous celebrities paying tribute to the beloved entertainer, with Reba McEntire, Jane Fonda, Kacey Musgraves and Sabrina Carpenter also honoring Parton’s remarkable career, generosity and lasting cultural legacy.

Actress Serayah has ended her engagement to rapper Joey Bada$$, accusing her former fiancé of repeated infidelity throughout their relationship. The 31-year-old Empire alum announced the split Monday in a lengthy Instagram statement, describing the decision as painful but necessary for herself and their family. Serayah said she “loved deeply” and believed in the life they were building, but ultimately chose to walk away after alleging that her partner had been unfaithful, including during vulnerable and meaningful periods of her life. Serayah said she was sharing her experience not for sympathy or retaliation, but to encourage women to trust their instincts and recognize their self-worth. She urged her followers not to compromise their values or make themselves smaller to preserve a relationship. The actress also emphasized that her priority is protecting the privacy and well-being of the couple’s 1-year-old son, whose name has not been publicly revealed. She said she would not discuss additional intimate details of their relationship.  Following the announcement, Serayah appeared to celebrate the end of the relationship with friends, writing “Anyways thank you next!” on her Instagram Story. She also briefly shared and deleted a video that allegedly captured a conversation involving Joey speaking negatively about her with another woman. Serayah and Joey, whose real name is Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, met in 2021 at a mutual friend’s birthday party and began dating the following year. Joey’s representative had not responded to requests for comment.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again says he is making an effort to live a sober lifestyle. The Louisiana rapper recently revealed on Instagram Stories that he flushed the remaining drugs he had down the toilet after experiencing an urge to get high. YoungBoy said he wants to challenge himself to remain sober for six consecutive months. He also teased his upcoming album, All Dogs Go to Heaven, giving fans another reason to anticipate new music. The rapper has previously spoken about his struggles with substance use, including revealing during a 2023 interview with Bootleg Kev that he briefly entered a rehabilitation facility. YoungBoy has also recently discussed his health, revealing during an appearance on Funny Marco’s “Open Thoughts” podcast that a doctor diagnosed him with a swollen left side of his heart during a previous tour. He said he kept the diagnosis private and continued performing until the tour was completed. Now living in South Korea, YoungBoy has also suggested that his music career may be approaching its final chapter. During his conversation with Funny Marco, the 26-year-old artist said he expects to release only one or two more albums and plans to embark on one final tour. He has also said he does not intend to return to the United States, indicating that South Korea has become his home as he focuses on his future, health and family.