What’s it about?

Linda Luna and Ayah Altayri filed a lawsuit against Top Dawg Entertainment–the record label best known for launching artists such as Kendrick Lamar and SZA–alleging that TDE executives and employees had engaged in sexual misconduct. Specifically, Ms. Luna alleged that she was sexually harassed, assaulted, and battered by TDE executives. Ms. Altayri alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by TDE employees. Ms. Luna also alleged that she performed PR and media relations work for TDE for years, but that TDE failed to properly pay her. She included in the lawsuit screenshots of text messages between her and TDE’s president, which show her repeatedly asking for payment and him telling her he doesn’t have money to pay her. The allegations include screenshots showing TDE executives sending Ms. Luna inappropriate sexual messages and quotes from a recorded conversation in which Ms. Luna and an unnamed TDE artist discussed the sexual assault allegations with TDE executives, putting them on notice.

What does TDE say about it?

Ms. Luna and Ms. Altayri filed the lawsuit anonymously, afraid for their reputations and safety if they revealed their names. In response to the lawsuit, TDE released a public statement calling the lawsuit a “shakedown,” and accusing us–the lawyers–of seeking our ten minutes of fame. (They can have their ten minutes back, we don’t need it.) Critically, TDE’s statement identified Ms. Luna and Ms. Altayri by name, putting them at risk of harassment. After our clients’ names were revealed, Ms. Luna received harassing messages that attacked her business, her person, and called for her to be raped and killed. That’s why we added a new cause of action in our amended complaint for doxxing–a violation of Civil Code section 1708.89.

Who’s telling the truth?

The legal process–and a jury of our clients’ peers–will be the ultimate arbiter of fact. However, after the statement from TDE challenging our clients’ credibility, we filed an amended complaint that included significant additional detail. This complaint has text message screenshots, email screenshots, and quotes from a recorded conversation that all substantiate the claims. Additionally, the complaint is verified. That means our clients have submitted a declaration under oath, swearing under penalty of perjury, that the facts they have alleged in this amended complaint are the truth. It’s the same oath they will take in court when they testify to the truth of these allegations.

What are the exact allegations in the complaint?

Court documents are generally public. We’ve posted it below so you can read it for yourself.

Can I contact you if I have relevant information?

Absolutely. If you have any tips or information, can email the lead attorney on this case, Shounak Dharap, at ssd@arnslaw.com.