Shaniqua Tompkins is being sued in federal court by G-Unit Books, the publishing imprint tied to 50 Cent, for allegedly violating a legal agreement she entered into nearly two decades ago.
Back in 2007, Tompkins signed over the rights to her entire life story, including her name, likeness and personal experiences, in a deal that paid her $80,000 upfront and promised future royalties.
According to the contract, those rights were to remain with G-Unit Books exclusively and indefinitely, with no exceptions.
The publishing company now accuses her of breaching that agreement by publicly speaking about her past relationship with 50 Cent and their son, Marquise. Tompkins has released multiple interviews and videos discussing her personal experiences, including claims of abuse.
In those public statements, she alleged that the rapper hit her during her pregnancy in 1996, physically assaulted her in front of her daughter and “beat the mess” out of her during another incident.
Legal documents filed by G-Unit Books claim Tompkins deliberately violated the agreement, especially after drawing public attention through a viral post connected to testimony in the recent Diddy trial.
“Capitalizing on her recent notoriety from a ‘viral’ post commenting on testimony in the high-profile ‘Diddy’ trial, Tompkins has repeatedly and deliberately exploited the very rights she conveyed to G-Unit Books,” the lawsuit reads.
Reena Jain, attorney for 50 Cent, said Tompkins knowingly went against the deal. “Tompkins’ behavior was intentional. She explicitly referenced the very agreement she breached while she actively breached it, stating it was something that was ‘going to have to be worked out legally.’”
According to the lawsuit, the primary damage isn’t just financial. G-Unit’s legal team says the value of the contract was based on exclusive control of her narrative.
Once personal information is shared publicly, that value is lost. Jain explained, “Jackson purchased these rights to preserve them for use in future biographical or autobiographical projects, but also in part because he was concerned that Tompkins would attempt to monetize their history and his name. His concerns were ultimately proven correct.”
The company is asking the court to order Tompkins to stop sharing content related to her life story, remove anything already published, and pay no less than one million dollars in damages. They are also requesting that she cover all legal fees and accept any other penalties the court finds appropriate.
The original contract also included an indemnification clause, meaning Tompkins could be held financially responsible for any losses caused by her alleged breach.
