HARTFORD (CN) - Rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson III) sued the mother of his child for defamation, claiming she falsely told the press that he tried to kill her and their child by burning down "one of his homes" while she and the boy were asleep in it.
Jackson claims Shaniqua Tompkins, his "former girlfriend," has defamed him to the media since the fire, on May 30.
"Defendant had to know her story was false because plaintiff was in Louisiana filming a movie at the time of the incident," Jackson says. He says he bought the home in Dix Hills, N.Y., in January 2007 and the home burned down in the early morning of May 30, while Tompkins, her son Marquise, and four others were in it. "Fortunately, no one was seriously injured," the complaint states.
Jackson says that since the Tompkins has repeatedly claimed "that plaintiff was responsible for the home burning down and that he had attempted to kill defendant and Marquise," charges which are "utterly and completely false."
Jackson demands $20 million. He is represented by Joseph Pastore III with Dreier LLP of Stamford.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.