Tashera Simmons, the former wife of the late rapper DMX, recently experienced a legal setback in her attempt to claim a share of his estate, including ownership of intellectual property rights such as copyrights, trademarks, and control over his likeness. Simmons, who was married to DMX for 16 years, had hoped to gain a significant portion of his extensive catalog.
On April 7, Judge David F. Everett ruled in favor of DMX’s estate, affirming that the estate holds sole ownership of all intellectual property amassed by Earl Simmons—DMX’s real name—during his marriage. This includes copyrights, trademarks, and rights associated with his likeness at the time of his death in 2021. While the 2016 divorce settlement between Simmons and DMX referenced “intellectual property,” it failed to specify any shared ownership, and DMX maintained that the agreement referred strictly to royalty payments.
The Legal Dispute Over DMX’s Estate
The ruling stems from a legal dispute surrounding the ownership of DMX’s vast catalog of work. Despite the language in their divorce agreement, which had implied some level of shared ownership, Simmons’s attempt to claim part of the intellectual property was denied by the court. Judge Everett highlighted that Simmons had previously waived her right to challenge the estate in a prior legal settlement, strengthening the estate’s position in the case.
In response to the ruling, Simmons’s legal team expressed strong objections, arguing that the court’s decision failed to uphold long-established legal precedent. They contended that the ruling unjustly deprived Simmons and her children of benefits they believe they are entitled to, stating, “To say that Ms. Simmons and her children are disappointed would be an understatement. We believe the court misread the plain language of the agreement and failed to consider the clear intent reflected in both parties’ conduct.”
Possibility of Appeal and Partial Financial Victory
Following the ruling, Simmons is reportedly considering an appeal. Meanwhile, DMX’s estate, which is overseen by his former fiancée Desiree Lindstrom and his daughter Sasha, praised the decision. They view the court’s ruling as a crucial step in protecting and preserving the legacy of the late rapper.
Although Simmons was unsuccessful in her bid for intellectual property rights, the court did grant her a partial win regarding financial matters. The court ruled that DMX had failed to pay a substantial amount of child support—$214,000—prior to his death, in violation of the divorce settlement. This decision provides some financial relief for Simmons and her children, despite the broader legal setback.
