Rapper Nelly's concert representatives have filed suit against an event promoter in Missouri for outstanding fees, days after he accused the rapper's road manager of threatening his life.
The Hot In Herre hitmaker headlined the first rap gig in the resort town of Branson - at The Mansion Theatre - in August (10), after organiser Paul Dunn obtained the required permits.
The show was a success but Dunn claimed relations with members of Nelly's camp turned ugly when the concert wrapped and he was allegedly confronted by the hip-hop star's road manager, Abby Cole, and asked to hand over more than the agreed fee.
Cole reportedly demanded almost double the agreed $40,000 (£26,700) and when the promoter initially refused to hand over the cash, the manager allegedly scared Dunn into writing a cheque.
Blu Bolden, head of Nelly's Derrty Entertainment, has denied Dunn's claims and now executives at Flush Touring Co., the firm in charge of the rapper's live shows, have filed a breach of contract suit against the promoter.
They insist a fee of $75,000 (£50,000) was agreed upon by both parties prior to the gig. They want Dunn to pay what he owes, adding on interest and unspecified damages.
Meanwhile, Nelly's business manager, Mike Chaffin, has questioned the promoter's motives for airing the dispute in the press.
He says, "I find it funny that Mr. Dunn is now talking with the press about this once he knew a lawsuit was going to be filed."
Chaffin has also dismissed Dunn's accusations of violence and adds, "What I know is his cheque bounced like a basketball."