Women Claim Rapper Did Them Wrong

LOS ANGELES (CN) - The rapper Tyga tricked two models into appearing topless in a music video, then released a "dirty" version despite his promise to edit nudity out it, the women claim in Superior Court.

Elizabeth Velaquez and Azia Davis sued Riveting Entertanment and Michael Ray Nguyen-Stevenson, who performs under the name Tyga.

The women claim they entered an oral agreement with the defendants in July 2011 to appear in a music video.

The casting advertisement stated: "There will be NO nudity involved in the video, and all the girls will be tastefully shot," according to the complaint.

Velaquez and Davis say they signed a release, which did not allow them to be shot nude.

However, "During the shoot for the video, plaintiffs and three other models/dancers were asked if they would appear topless. They were, however, assured that their nipples would be 'covered' or 'edited out,'" the complaint states.

"They were also advised that the version of the video in which they appear topless would not be released publicly in any medium without their nipples being covered up or edited out."

But after the video was released, Tyga promoted "an uncut 'dirty' version of the video" on his Twitter account, the women say.

"Although defendants utilized cartoon figures to cover up the breasts and buttocks of some of the models, plaintiffs' nipples remained visible and uncovered despite defendants' assurances they would be covered or edited out," the complaint states.

The women seek disgorgement and damages for breach of contract, breach of implied covenant, fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation, unfair competition, invasion of privacy and violation of the right to publicity.

They also seek a judgment that they are legally entitled to their images, and punitive damages for the violations of their privacy and publicity rights.

The plaintiffs are represented by Lisa L. Maki.

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.

Email *

Submit