Azealia Banks

Former manager Jeff Kwatinetz brings proceedings accusing Banks of, among other things, stalking, defamation, contractual interference and civil extortion. Following a new action filed in 2021 and several years of proceedings, a court finds her liable on several claims, including stalking, defamation and civil extortion; in 2026, the phase to determine damages continues.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

Following an escalation of messages on X with Matty Healy, including mutual attacks and a threat of violence subsequently withdrawn by Healy, Banks's lawyer sends him a cease-and-desist letter demanding an end to the remarks, a public apology and one million dollars.

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At Wynwood Pride in Miami, Banks takes the stage very late and then cuts short her performance amid a dispute with the organisers. She complains in particular about technical conditions and exposure to dry ice that she says she cannot tolerate.

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An Australian tour falls apart following several delays, changes and cancellations. Promoter Bizarro accuses Banks of unprofessional conduct, financial demands and shortened performances; Banks, for her part, denounces an experience in Australia that she describes as racist and dangerous.

State of the evidence

Allegations

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Directly implicated

Twitter suspends Banks's account following a series of messages described as transphobic, notably concerning gender-affirming care and transgender people.

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Banks is prosecuted following an altercation with a security guard at a New York nightclub, during which prosecutors allege that she struck and bit the victim. In 2017, she accepts an agreement providing, among other things, for anger management classes; after she complies with the conditions, the assault charge is withdrawn and she pleads guilty to a disorderly conduct offence.

State of the evidence

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After mistaking a fabricated satirical article attributing remarks to Sarah Palin for a genuine report, Banks posts sexualised and violent messages about her. Palin announces that she is considering legal action, and Banks subsequently publishes a letter of apology.

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Banks posts a series of racist and homophobic insults directed at Zayn Malik. Twitter suspends her account and the Born & Bred festival withdraws her participation. She subsequently issues a more general apology for her remarks.

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Banks alleges that she was grabbed by the neck, expelled, racially insulted and spat at during a party hosted by Russell Crowe, and subsequently reports battery. Witnesses give a conflicting account, claiming that she had threatened guests with a glass. The Los Angeles prosecutor declines to prosecute Crowe.

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Banks publishes a video showing the cleaning of a stained, feather-covered cupboard, which she describes as the result of several years of chicken sacrifices linked to her practice of witchcraft. The video prompts a reaction from Sia and animal welfare organisations.

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Banks criticises Iggy Azalea from 2012 onwards, notably over the phrase 'runaway slave master' used by Azalea and, more broadly, the place of a white Australian artist in African-American hip-hop. The feud becomes one of the main public debates surrounding Azalea in 2014.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

During a Twitter dispute with Perez Hilton, Banks uses a homophobic slur. After initially attempting to redefine the term, she publicly apologises.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated