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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Birdman’s Assistant Sues Keyshia Cole for Battery

LOS ANGELES (CN) - R&B singer Keyshia Cole attacked Birdman's personal assistant in a jealous rage that injured her hands, face and mouth, the assistant claims in a $1 million lawsuit.

In her Tuesday lawsuit in Superior Court, Sabrina Mercadel says she has been "platonic friends" since childhood with Birdman, whose real name is Bryan Williams, and has been his personal assistant for several years.

Mercadel claims she was the victim of Cole's unprovoked attack when she visited the rapper at his Westwood home on Sept. 19 to listen to his new album "Rich Gang," and offer feedback.

Mercadel says Cole confronted her as she walked out of the bathroom and was getting ready to leave, screaming: "'Who the fuck are you! What are you doin' with my man!?'"

Though rumors were swirling about a romantic relationship between Birdman and Cole, Mercadel maintains that she could care less who her old friend was dating.

"(G)iven the fact that Mercadel's relationship with Williams was strictly platonic, it was of no consequence to her who Williams was dating," the 9-page lawsuit states.

After suggesting that Mercadel was a prostitute by telling her in a "belligerent and condescending manner, 'You can get your money later,'" Cole attacked Mercadel, following her all the way out of the house to the elevators, according to the lawsuit.

Mercadel claims that by the time she made it to the lobby, Cole had hit her on the butt and in the face, pulled her hair, clawed her "nails against Mercadel's face and inside her mouth," and threw several "hard objects" at her.

According to the complaint, Cole was arrested for the assault while Mercadel went to hospital to treat her injuries.

Mercadel also sued Active Property Management, and Carlyle Residences Home Owners Association for letting Cole into Birdman's home.

She seeks $1 million in damages for battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and premises liability.

She is represented by James A. Bryan with the Cochran Firm California.

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