Nicki Minaj has asked a federal judge in Atlanta to dismiss a $30 million legal claim against her by her former wig designer, Terrence Davidson.
Terrence Davidson sued Nick Minaj in February, accusing her of selling wigs based on his designs without permission.
Nicki Minaj’s lawyers argued that the case should be thrown out as Terrence Davidson had failed to state a valid claim.
They added he was “upset because he lost his most famous client”.
Terrence Davidson, who began working for Nicki Minaj in 2010, created wigs the star wore at high-profile events and in her Super Bass music video.
He claims Nicki Minaj and her team reneged on discussions to launch his own reality show and wig line, saying the star had since copied his wig designs and was selling them online.
Christopher Chestnut, Terrence Davidson’s lawyer, said his client’s wigs “significantly contributed” to Nicki Minaj’s notoriety and helped her rise to fame.
The hair stylist stopped working for Nicki Minaj in 2013, citing creative differences.
According to legal papers, Nicki Minaj’s lawyers said Terrence Davidson was seeking to force himself into a business relationship the star and her team had developed in a bid to receive money he had not earned.
Responding to claims, Nicki Minaj prevented him from becoming a reality TV star, they said Terrence Davidson’s “self-described talents are insufficient to garner the same types of business opportunities he may have received when serving as [Nicki Minaj’s] hairstylist”.
