Azealia Banks Misses Court Hearing as Damages Trial Moves Forward in Case Brought by Former Manager
Rapper Azealia Banks did not appear at a scheduled court hearing in Los Angeles on Tuesday, as legal proceedings continue in a civil case brought by her former manager, Jeff Kwatinetz. The hearing was held ahead of a bench trial set for May 5, which will determine the amount of damages Banks may be required to pay after a court previously found her liable on multiple claims.
According to court proceedings, Los Angeles County Judge Brock T. Hammond indicated that the upcoming trial will proceed regardless of Banks’ participation. The judge also directed Kwatinetz’s legal team to ensure that proper notice is delivered to the artist regarding the trial date. Attorneys for Kwatinetz stated during the hearing that both he and his wife, Natalie Loren Kwatinetz, intend to testify in person.
The case stems from a prolonged legal dispute that began several years ago. Kwatinetz initially filed suit against Banks in 2020, alleging claims that included stalking, defamation, contract interference, and civil extortion. That lawsuit was later dismissed amid negotiations, but he refiled a similar complaint in September 2021. In response, Banks submitted a cross-complaint in November 2021, accusing Kwatinetz of breach of contract, fraud, and negligence. She alleged that he had misrepresented himself as a romantic partner to exploit her financially.
Kwatinetz subsequently amended his complaint to include a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. In his filings, he alleged that Banks engaged in a sustained campaign of harassment, including making threats against him and his family, posting images of herself outside his Los Angeles residence, and encouraging her followers to target him. He also claimed that Banks made false accusations against him, including allegations of operating a Ponzi scheme and being connected to the death of actress Brittany Murphy.
Court records detail a series of procedural issues that ultimately led to a default judgment against Banks. During a deposition on July 25, 2023, she reportedly arrived two hours late and, according to filings, declined to answer relevant questions, insulted opposing counsel, and ended the session prematurely against her own attorney’s advice. In September, Judge Hammond found Banks in default, citing what he described as “willful evasion” of a subsequent deposition and “willful disobedience of a court order.” The ruling effectively resolved liability in favor of Kwatinetz and dismissed Banks’ cross-complaint.
In a January 13 order, the court determined that Banks was liable for stalking, defamation, and civil extortion, among other claims, and scheduled a bench trial to assess damages. That trial is expected to be brief, potentially lasting only a single day.
Banks has not publicly responded to the most recent developments, and no statement was issued on her behalf following Tuesday’s hearing. Kwatinetz’s legal representatives haven't issued a comment.
In a recent trial brief, Kwatinetz’s attorneys argued that Banks’ public profile in recent years has been driven more by controversy than by her music career. The filing references multiple past incidents and controversies involving the artist, including prior legal issues and inflammatory social media activity.
The outcome of the May 5 trial will determine the financial consequences of the court’s earlier ruling.
