![Prayers Up: G Herbo Opens Up About Losing His Father Two Weeks Ago [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/balleralert.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GettyImages-1502102649-scaled-e1689011263204.jpg?fit=2560%2C1593&ssl=1 "Prayers Up: G Herbo Opens Up About Losing His Father Two Weeks Ago [Video] - Baller Alert")
G Herbo claims he was deceived out of millions by his former manager and the record label he was signed to, adding to his growing legal issues.
AllHipHop revealed court documents confirming G Herbo’s $40 million lawsuit against Joseph “JB” Bowden and Machine Entertainment for alleged financial exploitation.
The Chicago native alleges he was deceived into “unfair and one-sided deals” while a minor, leading to enduring debt. Presently, he owes his former label $8.4 million.
“Over the years, when we started generating money—probably this was on the Sony system—[Bowden] pulled me to the side, like, ‘Bro, let me run your business for you.’ I wasn’t really business-savvy. This was somebody I trusted with my life, like my brother, like a father figure. ‘I’m your business for you, bro.’ Alright, so from then on, he’s running my business,” the rapper said during a livestream.
Herbo’s legal team claims Bowden, serving as both his business manager and controlling his recording rights, failed to act in his best interests, creating a conflict of interest not disclosed to the rapper.
The rapper’s attorney, Marguerite E. Patrick, further explained that “Because [Wright’s] money was controlled by [Bowden and Machine], [Wright] was forced to ask Bowden to make purchases on his behalf, including for vehicles, [Wright’s] rent, and his mother’s rent. She said, “Bowden’s conduct, in depriving [Wright] of his own funds, was designed to prevent [Wright] from leaving Machine or from being able to successfully work with another business manager who would actually look out for [Wright’s] best interests.”
The financial dispute centers on a report from Machine Entertainment stating that G Herbo owes them a balance of $8.4 million. But Herbo strongly disputes the mentioned figure due to years of financial mismanagement and insufficient accounting transparency.
However, the situation becomes more concerning with the signing of the Release Agreement on August 25, 2023
The release agreement aimed to nullify previous contracts, granting G Herbo his copyrights and rights. Allegations arose, claiming the agreement was signed under duress, which G Herbo denies, labeling it an attempt to coerce him into rejecting the agreement.
“Bowden falsely claimed to representatives of [G Herbo] that he purportedly was threatened with guns and other violence into signing the release agreement, and he purportedly was prevented physically from leaving the recording studio until he signed the release agreement. These claims are outright lies,” Patrick said, defending her client.
“There were no guns brandished at the studio meeting, nor were there any threats of violence. Moreover, Bowden was not prevented from leaving the studio. In fact, Bowden initially left the studio without having signed the release agreement. He then returned to the studio to sign the release agreement, apparently having given the matter more thought.”
Despite the release agreement, Bowden and Machine allegedly exploited G Herbo’s music and collected royalties unlawfully. G Herbo seeks legal action to regain control of his intellectual property and is demanding $20 million for claimed breaches of fiduciary duty.
“Young artists, you got to stand your ground, man. What’s right if I’m saying it? I’m blessed to be able to do this here. I mean, I have the resources to be able to still provide for myself, my family, and go to war in this way, the right way, the legal way,” G Herbo said.
Earlier this year, G. Herbo pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and making a false statement. In July, he was ordered to pay $140,000 to the $1.5 million fraud scheme victims.
The rapper is potentially facing a 20-year sentence, but reports suggest he might receive a two-to-three-year term at his sentencing on November 7.
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