French Montana was sued today (March 20) for negligence over the shooting that occurred during the filming of a music video in Miami Gardens, Florida, on January 5. At least 10 people were injured in the incident. The lawsuit from Carl Leon, who was present at the time of filming, alleges that French Montana neglected to ensure proper security, police detail, or overall safe operating practices.
Leon’s lawsuit alleges that he “suffered great bodily injury and damages far in excess of the jurisdictional limits of this court.” The lawsuit also names Coke Boys Records, the Licking restaurant where the shooting took place, and property owner Gayles Plaza. Leon is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and a jury trial.
When reached by Pitchfork, Leon’s lawyer, Josiah D. Graham, offered no comment. A representative for French Montana shared the following statement:
Carl Leon was never invited to the restaurant at the night of the incident. His interest in litigation is solely to exploit and benefit financially from it, and his re-imagining of his invitation and current statements are simply an egregious profit play and publicity stunt. Beyond rejecting Mr. Leon and his counsel’s claims, we implore them to take a good, long look in the mirror and ask whether their loved ones would respect them for trying to make a buck by blatantly lying.
When the shooting was reported, operators of the Licking distanced themselves from the filming in a statement to CNN: “We were not aware of a video being filmed and found out last [minute] French Montana was shooting a scene in the back parking lot. We have no idea what actually took place. The Licking restaurant has nothing to do with the incident and has given police the necessary footage requested.”
French Montana offered the following statement on social media at the time: “We unfortunately were at the wrong place, at the wrong time when an incident took place that left people hurt. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & families at this time.”
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