Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Ne-Yo says his ex-manager owes him $8 million.
Ne-Yo – aka Shaffer Smith — slapped former manager Kevin Foster and Foster’s employer V. Brown & Company with the lawsuit in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday.
The “Money Can’t Buy” crooner alleges he was duped by his once-“trusted adviser and friend” Foster – only to have Foster swindle him out of $4.5 million by transferring money out of Ne-Yo’s bank accounts to himself and others.
The suit also alleges Foster forged Ne-Yo’s signature on “loan documents and converted monies for his personal use.”
Ne-Yo is also seeking another $3.5 million in services payments he claims he made to Foster and V. Brown between 2005 and 2013.
The suit claims the missing bank funds were only spotted after Ne-Yo hired a new manager.
Ne-Yo’s lawyer Richard A. Roth declined comment.
Foster and V. Brown could not immediately be reached for comment.