Azealia Banks has filed for a temporary restraining order against her former manager Jeff Kwatinetz, alleging years of psychological and emotional abuse.
The filing, obtained by TMZ, comes as the two remain involved in a long-running legal dispute that began years ago.
Banks’ claims have not been proven in court. Kwatinetz’s attorney has denied her allegations and accused her of making what he described as another attempt to avoid accountability in the ongoing case.
Azealia Banks Makes New Allegations in Court Filing
According to the filing, Banks claims Kwatinetz abused his position as her manager and allegedly used their personal relationship to control aspects of her career.
Banks described their relationship as an “intimate and very close relationship” and indicated in court documents that they dated or previously dated.
She alleges the relationship involved both personal and professional control, claiming Kwatinetz mixed their personal connection with decisions involving her career.
Banks also accused him of financial exploitation, coercive control, blackmail, and disturbing her peace.
She is requesting a temporary restraining order and additional protections involving members of her family, including her mother, sister, niece, and nephew.
Dispute Over Alleged Life Insurance Policy
One of Banks’ claims involves a life insurance policy she says Kwatinetz encouraged her to sign in 2014.
In the filing, Banks alleges she was intoxicated when she signed paperwork related to the policy and claims she was not certain whether it had been reviewed by an attorney.
She also says she does not know whether the policy remains active or who the beneficiary may be.
Banks is asking the court to require disclosure and cancellation of the alleged policy.
Banks Claims She Felt Monitored
The rapper also accused Kwatinetz of allegedly hiring private security personnel to monitor or track her.
Banks claims individuals were used to “locate and profile” her and alleges there were incidents involving surveillance near her homes.
She further claimed she noticed unmarked vehicles near residences after moving between states and described an incident involving an open window at one of her homes.
These allegations remain part of her filing and have not been established as facts in court.
Jeff Kwatinetz’s Attorney Responds
Kwatinetz’s attorney, Michael E. Weinsten, pushed back against Banks’ filing, calling it the latest action in a broader legal dispute.
In a statement to TMZ, Weinsten said Banks had already been found liable in a previous case involving allegations of defamation and other claims brought by Kwatinetz.
He said the recent filing represented an attempt to revisit issues that had already been addressed through the legal process.
According to Weinsten, a trial regarding damages was recently completed, and he expects a ruling in the coming months.
He also stated that Banks’ previous claims against Kwatinetz were dismissed with prejudice.
The Original Lawsuit Between Banks and Kwatinetz
Kwatinetz first sued Banks in 2020, accusing her of defamation, stalking, invasion of privacy, and civil extortion.
Banks denied the allegations and filed a countersuit, though those claims were later dismissed.
Kwatinetz’s lawsuit against Banks remains ongoing.
The latest filing adds another chapter to a legal battle that has continued for several years.
Why It Matters
The dispute highlights the complicated intersection between entertainment careers, personal relationships, and legal agreements.
Banks has built a reputation as a highly outspoken artist, while Kwatinetz has worked in the entertainment industry as a manager and executive.
With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, the outcome will depend on the evidence reviewed through the court process.
Banks’ filing describes her experience through the lens of emotional and psychological distress, while Kwatinetz’s legal team maintains that her claims are unfounded.
The case reflects the challenges that can arise when personal relationships and professional partnerships become intertwined.
As the legal proceedings continue, both sides are preparing to make their arguments before the court.
