Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer Belly is suing Coachella and its security company IPS for an alleged assault that happened on festival grounds last year. Belly, real name Ahmad Balshe, claims he was attacked by 25 security guards in a backstage area.
When the incident occurred, Belly was trying to access the backstage VIP area during a performance by The Weeknd. Despite having “all necessary credentials,” and even having performed at the festival earlier, the large group security guards jumped him.
Belly claims the security team “repeatedly grabbed, punched, kicked, and choked him in a coordinated manner.” According to the case, he suffered “severe injuries to his face, teeth, jaw, eyes, head, ribs, chest, arms, and legs, as well as neurological damage.”
Belly is suing for assault and battery, negligence, and intentional infliction emotional distress. He’s seeking damages for medical and psychiatric bills, plus “economic loss” he experienced after the incident.
20 you pussies couldn’t take me f my feet ??
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) April 21, 2018
no negative bullshit can steal my joy.. I performed the best show my life, on 4/20 at Coachella ‼️I really came from nothing, and I’m still here.. it’s gotta mean something.
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) April 21, 2018
The lawsuit places the direct blame on Coachella:
Defendants Coachella Music Festival, Goldenvoice, and IPS knew, or in the exercise reasonable diligence should have known, that their employees were incompetent and unfit to perform the duties for which they were employed and that undue risk to persons such as Plaintiff would result by way their inappropriate conduct.
Ben Meiselas, the lawyer representing Belly, told Billboard:
The sickening and unprovoked brutal assault on Belly by Coachella security is disturbing on so many levels. We will hold all those involved accountable in court, and deliver justice for Belly, and make sure this lawsuit prevents other artists and fans from being victimized by this type outrageous and violent behavior.
Despite the whole ordeal, Belly claims his performance at Coachella last year made for the “best night” his life.
Best night my life ??? https://t.co/nax78pvjHs
— BELLY (@reBELLYus) April 21, 2018
See the footage below.
Belly Attack @ Coachella 2018
H/T: Uproxx, Source: Billboard | Photo Richard Burdett/Wikimedia Commons