Lawsuit

[puma]

Oh boy! Another rumor.

Lauryn Hill -- Guitar Player Picks a Fight Over $

Playing guitar for Lauryn Hill doesn't pay as well as you'd think ... in fact it doesn't pay at all ... so says a former string-plucker who claims he got the ol' stifferoo after performing with the singer back in 2007.
Pro guitar player Jay Gore has filed a lawsuit against Hill in small claims court in L.A. -- claiming he played with her for a couple of weeks back in 2007 -- and was supposed to make $3,590 for the gig ... but he never got a check.

Calls to Lauryn have not been returned ... probably because she's busy with her new baby.

www.tmz.com/2011/07/26/lauryn-hill-sued-guitar-player-concert-jay-gore-small-claims-court/

[Essence]

0_o I'm disappointed that he decided to bring this up THREE years later, and on the wake of her new baby. Smh

[Onehigherlove]

www.tmz.com/2011/08/05/lauryn-hill-lawsuit-hostile-work-environment-sued-jay-gore-guitar-player-fugees-european-tour-berating-singer/

LAURYN HILL
Accused of Being a NIGHTMARE
Behind the Scenes

Lauryn Hill would constantly verbally abuse members of her band behind the scenes of her European tour in 2007 ... so says an ex-band member who filed a new lawsuit against the former Fugees singer.

Professional guitar player Jay Gore has filed new legal docs in his war with Hill -- in which he claims she stiffed him out of thousands of dollars after playing Hill's tour.

In the docs, Gore says Hill was a total monster backstage -- claiming she "exhibited the type of behavior for which she had gained public notoriety which contributed to a hostile work environment."

Gore says, "After shows, Hill would demand that the musicians and road support personnel attend meetings where she would engage in a person-by-person critique and berating."

He continues, "At one point, Hill made a statement in front of the tour personnel to the effect that 'I can't believe I am paying you fools, you should be paying me.'"

Gore says he now wants more than $20k for his troubles. His lawyer, Nicholas Andrea, tells us, "We believe there are other musicians who have been mistreated by Ms. Hill in a similar manner who are reluctant to stand up for their rights and this lawsuit gives them a voice as well.”

Calls to Hill's rep have not been returned.


~~~Usually I would write these off as rumors, but I remember tweets from Lauryn's band on this last tour that suggested she was really rough on them. One background singer referred to the tour as a slaveship. One guitarist said, "I just finished a 15 hour rehearsal, but it was a good time unlike that last experience with THAT artist." One keyboardist said, "I'm still scarred from that 2 am rehearsal the night before the gig." I also noticed that people were dropping off the tour like flies and when asked if they would return, they'd say "No thank you." I think that ever since that lawsuit with the New Ark band, she's decided to treat band members as nothing but employees and govern them harshly. There's nothing worse than a woman scorned. It's always interesting when one of the band members refer to her as "boss lady". I'm curious to see how this pans out. I hope it's all a big misunderstanding from a disgruntled employee and not proof that something's wrong with her. I don't want her to get discouraged and fall back into hiding. All these issues keep popping up and she's handled them well, but we remember what a lawsuit did to her last time. ~~~~

[pippip262]

Aug 7, 2011 19:52:28 GMT 1 @Onehigherlove said:

~~~Usually I would write these off as rumors, but I remember tweets from Lauryn's band on this last tour that suggested she was really rough on them. One background singer referred to the tour as a slaveship. One guitarist said, "I just finished a 15 hour rehearsal, but it was a good time unlike that last experience with THAT artist." One keyboardist said, "I'm still scarred from that 2 am rehearsal the night before the gig." I also noticed that people were dropping off the tour like flies and when asked if they would return, they'd say "No thank you." I think that ever since that lawsuit with the New Ark band, she's decided to treat band members as nothing but employees and govern them harshly. There's nothing worse than a woman scorned. It's always interesting when one of the band members refer to her as "boss lady". I'm curious to see how this pans out. I hope it's all a big misunderstanding from a disgruntled employee and not proof that something's wrong with her. I don't want her to get discouraged and fall back into hiding. All these issues keep popping up and she's handled them well, but we remember what a lawsuit did to her last time. ~~~~

I don't think that the newer members from the Moving Target tour dislike Lauryn. They've probably had some good times and bad times with her, like every employee and boss. Let's not forget they were on the rollercoaster together and they sang her happy birthday. I don't think they would've hung out with her and sang her happy birthday if they didn't genuinely like/care about her. And I know Jeanette has made at least two appearances since she left to pursue her music. Tanikka also left to pursue her music but I don't think there is any hard feelings there. Also Tanikka recorded a video with Lauryn correcting her bday. If Lauryn was scary and rude why would Tanikka even bother to do that? I don't think she would. Ppl love to say the bad things about Lauryn but few look at the whole picture. Is she a perfectionist who is probably rough on her band, yeah....probably BUT just like they do the 15 hr rehearsals, I assume, that Lauryn is right there with them putting in work. And let's all remember THEY GET PAID !!!!!!!!! While I agree that not getting paid is a legitimate complaint, "she was rude to me" is not. What person isn't rude at one time or another (not that that would excuse her) but who brings it up 4 years later?!?!?! GTFOH that's ridiculous and (in my opinion) he's just being money hungry.

[ladona]

If dude thinks that Lauryn owes him money, then he has every right to take it to court and let them settle it, but to cry about verbal abuse 4 years later is just PUNKISH. I know Lauryn has a way with words, but d*mn...

"Men have a hard time taking direction from women, but when you pay somebody, you pay them to get it right. I think that women will be called ‘bitches’ and ‘hard to work with’ if they ask for and get what they want. So I don’t pay attention to that at all. Music is so important to me and how I come across in music is so important. I’m a perfectionist. If I have to do it a hundred times, I’ll do it a hundred times!...Men like it when you sing to them. But step out and try and control things and there are doubts. This is a very sexist industry. They’ll never throw the genius title to a sister. They’ll just call her ‘diva’ and think it’s a compliment. It’s like our flair and vanity are put before our musical and intellectual contributions.” ~Lauryn Hill~

[Martin00]

Aug 8, 2011 1:17:27 GMT 1 @pippip262 said:

Aug 7, 2011 19:52:28 GMT 1 @Onehigherlove said:

~~~Usually I would write these off as rumors, but I remember tweets from Lauryn's band on this last tour that suggested she was really rough on them. One background singer referred to the tour as a slaveship. One guitarist said, "I just finished a 15 hour rehearsal, but it was a good time unlike that last experience with THAT artist." One keyboardist said, "I'm still scarred from that 2 am rehearsal the night before the gig." I also noticed that people were dropping off the tour like flies and when asked if they would return, they'd say "No thank you." I think that ever since that lawsuit with the New Ark band, she's decided to treat band members as nothing but employees and govern them harshly. There's nothing worse than a woman scorned. It's always interesting when one of the band members refer to her as "boss lady". I'm curious to see how this pans out. I hope it's all a big misunderstanding from a disgruntled employee and not proof that something's wrong with her. I don't want her to get discouraged and fall back into hiding. All these issues keep popping up and she's handled them well, but we remember what a lawsuit did to her last time. ~~~~

I don't think that the newer members from the Moving Target tour dislike Lauryn. They've probably had some good times and bad times with her, like every employee and boss. Let's not forget they were on the rollercoaster together and they sang her happy birthday. I don't think they would've hung out with her and sang her happy birthday if they didn't genuinely like/care about her. And I know Jeanette has made at least two appearances since she left to pursue her music. Tanikka also left to pursue her music but I don't think there is any hard feelings there. Also Tanikka recorded a video with Lauryn correcting her bday. If Lauryn was scary and rude why would Tanikka even bother to do that? I don't think she would. Ppl love to say the bad things about Lauryn but few look at the whole picture. Is she a perfectionist who is probably rough on her band, yeah....probably BUT just like they do the 15 hr rehearsals, I assume, that Lauryn is right there with them putting in work. And let's all remember THEY GET PAID !!!!!!!!! While I agree that not getting paid is a legitimate complaint, "she was rude to me" is not. What person isn't rude at one time or another (not that that would excuse her) but who brings it up 4 years later?!?!?! GTFOH that's ridiculous and (in my opinion) he's just being money hungry.

But there has to be a reason why MULTIPLE band members from the 2007 tour said similar things about her.

Now don't get me wrong. I do believe that Lauryn has had a huge change in attitude and personality around 2009/2010, hence why she is more approachable now more than ever both to the people around her and to us fans. And it's great that she's opening up so much more now. But we can't deny that she was definitely different in 2007, just compare her now to how she presented herself back then (with the big orange hair, the dramatic make up), the way she sang, the way she interacted with the crowd. I don't think we should dismiss the fact that she may have in fact created a hostile and unhealthy working environment. There is a difference between constructive criticism and berating someone to their face, despite you being a perfectionist or not.

I, too, hate to see another lawsuit against her knowing her history, especially in a time where she is trying to come back out musically. But if the guitarist wasn't paid, and if he, along with many other band members were mistreated, the best way for Lauryn to settle this as soon as possible is to not look at this as another 'betrayal', but to take responsibility for her actions. Pay the guy. Perhaps have a sit down in the goals of reaching some sort of understanding. Even if she has grown to be a different person now.

[pippip262]

Aug 8, 2011 4:07:30 GMT 1 @Martin00 said:

Aug 8, 2011 1:17:27 GMT 1 @pippip262 said:

I don't think that the newer members from the Moving Target tour dislike Lauryn. They've probably had some good times and bad times with her, like every employee and boss. Let's not forget they were on the rollercoaster together and they sang her happy birthday. I don't think they would've hung out with her and sang her happy birthday if they didn't genuinely like/care about her. And I know Jeanette has made at least two appearances since she left to pursue her music. Tanikka also left to pursue her music but I don't think there is any hard feelings there. Also Tanikka recorded a video with Lauryn correcting her bday. If Lauryn was scary and rude why would Tanikka even bother to do that? I don't think she would. Ppl love to say the bad things about Lauryn but few look at the whole picture. Is she a perfectionist who is probably rough on her band, yeah....probably BUT just like they do the 15 hr rehearsals, I assume, that Lauryn is right there with them putting in work. And let's all remember THEY GET PAID !!!!!!!!! While I agree that not getting paid is a legitimate complaint, "she was rude to me" is not. What person isn't rude at one time or another (not that that would excuse her) but who brings it up 4 years later?!?!?! GTFOH that's ridiculous and (in my opinion) he's just being money hungry.

But there has to be a reason why MULTIPLE band members from the 2007 tour said similar things about her.

Now don't get me wrong. I do believe that Lauryn has had a huge change in attitude and personality around 2009/2010, hence why she is more approachable now more than ever both to the people around her and to us fans. And it's great that she's opening up so much more now. But we can't deny that she was definitely different in 2007, just compare her now to how she presented herself back then (with the big orange hair, the dramatic make up), the way she sang, the way she interacted with the crowd. I don't think we should dismiss the fact that she may have in fact created a hostile and unhealthy working environment. There is a difference between constructive criticism and berating someone to their face, despite you being a perfectionist or not.

I, too, hate to see another lawsuit against her knowing her history, especially in a time where she is trying to come back out musically. But if the guitarist wasn't paid, and if he, along with many other band members were mistreated, the best way for Lauryn to settle this as soon as possible is to not look at this as another 'betrayal', but to take responsibility for her actions. Pay the guy. Perhaps have a sit down in the goals of reaching some sort of understanding. Even if she has grown to be a different person now.

I'm not denying that what the guy said may be true I'm saying that I don't believe all of the members from 2010/11 feel like that. If you read the quote above mine you'll see that I was commenting on that. Ok so she created a hostile work environment and he's just now bringing it to light FOUR YEARS LATER?!?!?! Come on now, he's just being money hungry, in my opinion (of course). I wouldn't sit down with him because I didn't see where he said he's tried to resolve the matter with her and like I said FOUR YEARS LATER!! NO that's just wrong. If you've left it alone four years it must not have been that important. I think he brought it out because she's back in the public eye. Like I said GTFOH

[micmic1]

SinceIFound I couldn't agree with you more! Four years later and all he can do now is harp on this situation is just plain CRAZY! I don't think this will deter Ms. Hill away from the public becauseI believe, she stayed away for her own reasons. I don't see Lauryn as being one to hide from people just because they are talking about her. She's more confrontational now. In a good way. and she knows what to expect in this business. : )

[Nutzz]

Aug 8, 2011 4:07:30 GMT 1 @Martin00 said:

Aug 8, 2011 1:17:27 GMT 1 @pippip262 said:

I don't think that the newer members from the Moving Target tour dislike Lauryn. They've probably had some good times and bad times with her, like every employee and boss. Let's not forget they were on the rollercoaster together and they sang her happy birthday. I don't think they would've hung out with her and sang her happy birthday if they didn't genuinely like/care about her. And I know Jeanette has made at least two appearances since she left to pursue her music. Tanikka also left to pursue her music but I don't think there is any hard feelings there. Also Tanikka recorded a video with Lauryn correcting her bday. If Lauryn was scary and rude why would Tanikka even bother to do that? I don't think she would. Ppl love to say the bad things about Lauryn but few look at the whole picture. Is she a perfectionist who is probably rough on her band, yeah....probably BUT just like they do the 15 hr rehearsals, I assume, that Lauryn is right there with them putting in work. And let's all remember THEY GET PAID !!!!!!!!! While I agree that not getting paid is a legitimate complaint, "she was rude to me" is not. What person isn't rude at one time or another (not that that would excuse her) but who brings it up 4 years later?!?!?! GTFOH that's ridiculous and (in my opinion) he's just being money hungry.

But there has to be a reason why MULTIPLE band members from the 2007 tour said similar things about her.

Now don't get me wrong. I do believe that Lauryn has had a huge change in attitude and personality around 2009/2010, hence why she is more approachable now more than ever both to the people around her and to us fans. And it's great that she's opening up so much more now. But we can't deny that she was definitely different in 2007, just compare her now to how she presented herself back then (with the big orange hair, the dramatic make up), the way she sang, the way she interacted with the crowd. I don't think we should dismiss the fact that she may have in fact created a hostile and unhealthy working environment. There is a difference between constructive criticism and berating someone to their face, despite you being a perfectionist or not.

I, too, hate to see another lawsuit against her knowing her history, especially in a time where she is trying to come back out musically. But if the guitarist wasn't paid, and if he, along with many other band members were mistreated, the best way for Lauryn to settle this as soon as possible is to not look at this as another 'betrayal', but to take responsibility for her actions. Pay the guy. Perhaps have a sit down in the goals of reaching some sort of understanding. Even if she has grown to be a different person now.

I'm not sure about that.... I mean, Make-up and clothes doesn't mean anything to me, except an original fashion way (that I don't especially like but that's my opinion) . If you check, she did quite the same songs as the 2010/11 tour (not exactly the same arrangement but same miseduc' songs, bob marley song etc...) . In my opinion, she was not as different as you may think ... Probably a little, because everybody change but....

And.... I really trust Ms Hill when she said that the industry is a sexist world... It must be really hard to stay yourself and do what you want to ....
So, this guy is maybe a frustrated one.... ?!

[Martin00]

Some lawsuits take years to be filed. And now this has garnered public attention maybe he felt he could also speak about the actual working relationship? It certainly helps his case to be more plausible.

And really. With as much of the 'we don't really know what went on' logic people on this board apply with Lauryn, we have to apply that with the people around her as well. Right now, there is definitely more evidence pointing towards Lauryn having mistreated her band. I remember an ex band member even coming on this board and speaking about the issue. Yes unfortunately sexism is still alive and well as this stage in time but I don't think the situation would be different if say, a male artist mistreated his band and fails to have compensated them.

To me, the difference between the Lauryn we see now and the Lauryn back then is tremendous. The 2007 Lauryn did not interact with her fans, sign autographs, take photos with them. She barely smiled on stage and off (judging from the photos and videos) and you can tell her stage persona was a lot more stand offish. And unfortunately, it seems that the her then made some choices which had a negative effect on people around her. Which leads me to my point again. Despite her having a different outlook now, she has to take responsibility for her past actions. As we all do. So why not just settle this if she or her management do owe him money, and achieve an understanding when she has the chance so that both her and the other people can move on?

[ladona]

Aug 8, 2011 15:42:19 GMT 1 @Martin00 said:

Some lawsuits take years to be filed. And now this has garnered public attention maybe he felt he could also speak about the actual working relationship? It certainly helps his case to be more plausible.

And really. With as much of the 'we don't really know what went on' logic people on this board apply with Lauryn, we have to apply that with the people around her as well. Right now, there is definitely more evidence pointing towards Lauryn having mistreated her band. I remember an ex band member even coming on this board and speaking about the issue. Yes unfortunately sexism is still alive and well as this stage in time but I don't think the situation would be different if say, a male artist mistreated his band and fails to have compensated them.

To me, the difference between the Lauryn we see now and the Lauryn back then is tremendous. The 2007 Lauryn did not interact with her fans, sign autographs, take photos with them. She barely smiled on stage and off (judging from the photos and videos) and you can tell her stage persona was a lot more stand offish. And unfortunately, it seems that the her then made some choices which had a negative effect on people around her. Which leads me to my point again. Despite her having a different outlook now, she has to take responsibility for her past actions. As we all do. So why not just settle this if she or her management do owe him money, and achieve an understanding when she has the chance so that both her and the other people can move on?

I don't think that any of us are saying that this dude shouldn't get the money that's owed to him. The problem is that he's trying to sue for verbal abuse too. According to the original post, he's owed only "$3,590 for the gig," but he's suing for over $20,000. So, what's the rest of the money for, therapy?

I think everybody knows that if he had worked for Kanye, Jay-Z, Sean Combs, or any other MALE in the business, he would not be suing for verbal abuse because men don't step to other men like that. Lauryn has worked around men for most of her career, don't you think she knows the garbage they take from each other but still maintain a professional working relationship. However, women are supposed to be nice and smile and not hurt people's feelings. Btw, Martin, next time I see a video of Kanye, Nas, Jay-Z, or any other MALE rapper; I'll let you know if they are smiling while on stage performing

[sengun]

ladona I think Martin was just commenting on the fact that it's rare for lauryn not to smile and sing, and I think everyone knows she is different now, seriously watch the video's. I remember hearing rumours before about people not being paid in 2007, didn't someone post on here about it when the basist died? Anyway I think like Since said she seems more happy and comfortable with the band she's with now. And I look forward 2 seeing em play at RTB

[Martin00]

Aug 8, 2011 17:10:21 GMT 1 ladona said:

Aug 8, 2011 15:42:19 GMT 1 @Martin00 said:

Some lawsuits take years to be filed. And now this has garnered public attention maybe he felt he could also speak about the actual working relationship? It certainly helps his case to be more plausible.

And really. With as much of the 'we don't really know what went on' logic people on this board apply with Lauryn, we have to apply that with the people around her as well. Right now, there is definitely more evidence pointing towards Lauryn having mistreated her band. I remember an ex band member even coming on this board and speaking about the issue. Yes unfortunately sexism is still alive and well as this stage in time but I don't think the situation would be different if say, a male artist mistreated his band and fails to have compensated them.

To me, the difference between the Lauryn we see now and the Lauryn back then is tremendous. The 2007 Lauryn did not interact with her fans, sign autographs, take photos with them. She barely smiled on stage and off (judging from the photos and videos) and you can tell her stage persona was a lot more stand offish. And unfortunately, it seems that the her then made some choices which had a negative effect on people around her. Which leads me to my point again. Despite her having a different outlook now, she has to take responsibility for her past actions. As we all do. So why not just settle this if she or her management do owe him money, and achieve an understanding when she has the chance so that both her and the other people can move on?

I don't think that any of us are saying that this dude shouldn't get the money that's owed to him. The problem is that he's trying to sue for verbal abuse too. According to the original post, he's owed only "$3,590 for the gig," but he's suing for over $20,000. So, what's the rest of the money for, therapy?

I think everybody knows that if he had worked for Kanye, Jay-Z, Sean Combs, or any other MALE in the business, he would not be suing for verbal abuse because men don't step to other men like that. Lauryn has worked around men for most of her career, don't you think she knows the garbage they take from each other but still maintain a professional working relationship. However, women are supposed to be nice and smile and not hurt people's feelings. Btw, Martin, next time I see a video of Kanye, Nas, Jay-Z, or any other MALE rapper; I'll let you know if they are smiling while on stage performing

Like sengun said, you misunderstood my point completely. Me talking about Lauryn not smiling has NOTHING to do with her being a woman and the common expectations of a female performer. I was pointing out the difference in her behavior. She was a certain way, and then another between a period of a few years. That's what I was talking about.

But I said enough on this lawsuit thing. Let's just agree to disagree. I hope this issue gets sorted out and then we can just concentrate on the music.

[Nuzz]

Aug 8, 2011 17:10:21 GMT 1 ladona said:

Aug 8, 2011 15:42:19 GMT 1 @Martin00 said:

Some lawsuits take years to be filed. And now this has garnered public attention maybe he felt he could also speak about the actual working relationship? It certainly helps his case to be more plausible.

And really. With as much of the 'we don't really know what went on' logic people on this board apply with Lauryn, we have to apply that with the people around her as well. Right now, there is definitely more evidence pointing towards Lauryn having mistreated her band. I remember an ex band member even coming on this board and speaking about the issue. Yes unfortunately sexism is still alive and well as this stage in time but I don't think the situation would be different if say, a male artist mistreated his band and fails to have compensated them.

To me, the difference between the Lauryn we see now and the Lauryn back then is tremendous. The 2007 Lauryn did not interact with her fans, sign autographs, take photos with them. She barely smiled on stage and off (judging from the photos and videos) and you can tell her stage persona was a lot more stand offish. And unfortunately, it seems that the her then made some choices which had a negative effect on people around her. Which leads me to my point again. Despite her having a different outlook now, she has to take responsibility for her past actions. As we all do. So why not just settle this if she or her management do owe him money, and achieve an understanding when she has the chance so that both her and the other people can move on?

I don't think that any of us are saying that this dude shouldn't get the money that's owed to him. The problem is that he's trying to sue for verbal abuse too. According to the original post, he's owed only "$3,590 for the gig," but he's suing for over $20,000. So, what's the rest of the money for, therapy?
I think everybody knows that if he had worked for Kanye, Jay-Z, Sean Combs, or any other MALE in the business, he would not be suing for verbal abuse because men don't step to other men like that. Lauryn has worked around men for most of her career, don't you think she knows the garbage they take from each other but still maintain a professional working relationship. However, women are supposed to be nice and smile and not hurt people's feelings. Btw, Martin, next time I see a video of Kanye, Nas, Jay-Z, or any other MALE rapper; I'll let you know if they are smiling while on stage performing

Oh, I agree so much with u ! You've written exactly what I think.. Thx.
It must be so hard for a man to hear orders or critics from a woman..... Did we hear some stuff from their backsingers?! I don't think so.... But in the band there're only men nop?

[ladona]

Aug 8, 2011 17:33:38 GMT 1 sengun said:

ladona I think Martin was just commenting on the fact that it's rare for lauryn not to smile and sing, and I think everyone knows she is different now, seriously watch the video's. I remember hearing rumours before about people not being paid in 2007, didn't someone post on here about it when the basist died? Anyway I think like Since said she seems more happy and comfortable with the band she's with now. And I look forward 2 seeing em play at RTB

Maybe in the Fugees/Miseducation era it was rare for her to not smile, but we know that for years after Unplugged, Lauryn was in a somewhat serious mode and didn't do much smiling or interacting with other people. Maybe she felt like she shouldn't have to smile if she didn't feel like it. The only thing different about 2007 was the hair and make-up. Even on this past Moving Target Tour, yes she seemed more open, but there were also times when she didn't. Overall, I don't think that her not smiling or being open should indicate that she mistreated anyone.