Chris Brown files countersuit over parking lot altercation
Singer Chris Brown has filed a countersuit against the man who accused the artist of attacking him earlier this year outside a West Hollywood recording studio.
Brown filed an assault and battery lawsuit Wednesday against Sha’Keir Duarte, an associate of singer Frank Ocean. The incident occurred on Jan. 27.
Duarte’s lawsuit accuses Brown of being the fight’s aggressor. However, Brown’s countersuit claims that Duarte made verbal threats directed toward the singer before kicking and punching him.
Brown is seeking unspecified damages, while Duarte’s lawsuit asks for $2 million in emotional damages.
Mark Geragos, Brown’s attorney, said his client was trying to defend himself after being jumped.
The incident was allegedly sparked by a dispute over a parking space at Westlake Recording. According to a copy of the complaint provided by Duarte’s attorney, Duarte and Ocean found “a Lamborghini was parked in the space for Frank Ocean.” The two parked in another stall and then inquired about the parking space.
At that point Brown and an associate -- identified in court papers as “Hood” -- emerged and the associate said, “Is there a problem, Cuz” and lunged, striking Duarte in his face, according to court documents.
“My position is anybody who thinks of suing Chris Brown, when they provoke incidents, can rest assured we will not stand by and be silent,” Geragos said Friday.
No criminal charges were filed over the fight.
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Twitter: @AliciaDotBanks
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