Comic Threatened His Life, Businessman Says

ATLANTA (CN) - A recording studio owner who claims comedian Kat Williams owes him $28,600 says Williams assaulted him, threatened to kill him, and punched him in the face while Williams' bodyguards restrained him. "At this same time, Williams' attack dog was snarling directly in front of Powers, apparently waiting for the attack signal," Merion Powers claims in Fulton County Superior Court.

Powers claims that Micah S. "Katt" Williams still owes him the money for using Powers' Atlanta recording studio to record comedy routines.

Powers claims that in a visit to his studio in October 2009, Williams "allowed his attack dog to roam free outside of Powers' studio" where Powers' son was walking his dog. He claims Williams gave his dog a verbal command and it attacked Powers' dog, necessitating veterinary treatment.

In December, Powers says, Williams asked him to meet the comedian at the Four Seasons Hotel to discuss his debt and the incident at the studio.

There, Powers says, he was surrounded by Williams' bodyguards as Powers insulted him, "calling him a 'punk' and hurling expletives at him. Williams said he learned that Powers might press criminal charges against him for the dog attack and stated that he would kill him if he did file such charges. Williams' attack dog was with him during this time, circling Powers in the room," according to the complaint.

After more insults and threats, Powers says, "One of Williams' bodyguards restrained Powers from behind, and Williams violently punched Powers in the face. At this same time, Williams' attack dog was snarling directly in front of Powers, apparently waiting for the attack signal."

Hotel security and police officers showed up, Powers says, and he was set free. He says he was able to record some of the events on his iPhone.

Powers seeking compensatory damages and punitive damages of at least $1 million for assault and battery, false imprisonment, unjust enrichment, and breach of contract.

His lead counsel is Eric C. Lang.

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