Sultry pop star Ashanti had reason to celebrate yesterday as a federal judge announced that the Grammy-winning singer and her ex-producer have agreed to drop dueling federal lawsuits.
“I’m very pleased that the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed the case against us,” a beaming Ashanti said outside of court. “I’d rather be in the studio recording or writing.” Her former producer, Genard Parker, was seeking $2.3 million in royalties on albums the would-be pop diva recorded long after they parted ways in 1997, claiming she’d never made good on an agreement inked when she was 16 years old.
Earlier this year, Ashanti hit Parker with a $1 million counterclaim, accusing him of releasing an unauthorized collection of demos she recorded in his home studio when she was a teen.
The midtrial settlement came as Ashanti was due to take the witness stand for a second day of testimony.
“Excellent. Good job,” attorney Alan Kaminsky told the star, whose full name is Ashanti Douglas.
Manhattan federal court Judge Jed Rakoff dismissed the jury after announcing that Ashanti and Parker had dropped all claims and agreed not to bring any new lawsuits.
“I think it’s a very appropriate resolution,” Rakoff said.
Ashanti said she was heading to Los Angeles today to get back to recording music and making movies.
A subdued-looking Parker said, “Definitely happy it’s over.”