Azealia Banks restraining order seeks protection from ex-manager
Azealia Banks says ex-manager Jeff Kwatinetz emotionally abused her and wants court protection for herself and family members.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Azealia Banks restraining order papers filed Monday accuse her former manager, Jeff Kwatinetz, of psychological and emotional abuse dating back more than a decade, TMZ reported, citing court documents it obtained.
The rapper is asking a court for a temporary restraining order against Kwatinetz, including stay-away and no-contact provisions. TMZ reported that Banks is also seeking protection for her mother, sister, niece and nephew, saying in the filing that Kwatinetz could try to reach her through relatives.
Kwatinetz has not commented publicly on the filing. TMZ reported it contacted him for comment and had not heard back.
What did Azealia Banks accuse Jeff Kwatinetz of in court?
According to TMZ, Banks says the alleged abuse began in 2014, when she claims Kwatinetz got her to sign up for a life insurance policy while she was intoxicated. In the filing, Banks says he provided expensive red wine and presented the policy while she was drunk.
Banks alleges the policy was not reviewed by a lawyer and says she is unsure whether her attorney even knew about it, TMZ reported. She claims Kwatinetz has not told her whether the policy remains active or who would receive benefits from it.
In the court papers, Banks checked a box describing the relationship as one where the two are dating or used to date, according to TMZ. In her declaration, she describes the relationship as intimate and very close, and alleges Kwatinetz blended their personal relationship with his role in her career.
Banks also accuses Kwatinetz of hiring a private security firm to find and profile her, TMZ reported. She alleges the firm was mapping her home from the air.
The filing also says Banks once returned home to find a window open and claims she noticed unmarked cars near her homes after moving between states, according to TMZ. She further alleges Kwatinetz falsely accused her of trying to rob his house.
What is Banks asking the court to do?
A temporary restraining order is a short-term court order that can limit contact while a judge considers what should happen next. Banks is asking for no contact, distance requirements and protection that also covers several family members, TMZ reported.
She is also asking the court to make Kwatinetz disclose and cancel the alleged life insurance policy, bar him from hiring anyone to monitor her, and allow her to appear remotely at hearings, according to TMZ.
Banks alleges the most recent abuse happened in November. TMZ reported that her filing accuses Kwatinetz of coercive control, financial exploitation, blackmail and disturbing her peace, while also saying he has not spoken directly to her in about 10 years.
According to TMZ, Banks claims Kwatinetz demanded she extend her recording contract and make more music that would benefit him financially. She also alleges he falsely told the court she refused to sit for a deposition.
The new filing does not accuse Kwatinetz of physical abuse, TMZ reported. Banks’ allegations center on psychological and emotional abuse.
What is the legal history between them?
TMZ reported that Kwatinetz first sued Banks in 2020, alleging extortion. He later moved to dismiss that case, then filed another complaint in 2021 alleging stalking, defamation and civil extortion.
Banks was ultimately found liable in that case, according to TMZ. The latest restraining order request adds another legal fight to a years-long dispute between the rapper and her former manager.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.