Rapper Azealia Banks is once again making headlines after filing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) against her former manager and music executive Jeffery Evan Kwatinetz, accusing him of subjecting her to years of psychological abuse, coercive control, financial manipulation, and intimidation.
According to court documents filed Monday in California, Banks alleges the alleged misconduct spans more than a decade and stems from what she describes as an intimate relationship intertwined with a complicated professional partnership.
Azealia Banks Alleges Emotional Abuse and Coercive Control
In her petition filed under California's Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Banks claims she and Kwatinetz previously shared a romantic relationship while he managed her career. She describes the relationship as "intimate and very close," alleging that personal and professional boundaries became blurred over time.
Among the most serious allegations, Banks claims that in 2014, Kwatinetz persuaded her to sign a life insurance policy while she was intoxicated.
"He gave me expensive red wine and put the policy in front of me when I was drunk and we were cozied up," Banks stated in her declaration.
She further alleges that no attorney reviewed the policy before she signed it and claims Kwatinetz has refused to reveal whether the policy remains active or identify who the beneficiary is.
Claims of Surveillance, Financial Manipulation, and Intimidation
Banks' filing also accuses Kwatinetz of orchestrating a prolonged surveillance campaign against her.
According to the rapper, he allegedly hired private investigators to locate and monitor her movements, claiming security personnel profiled her and even mapped her residence from the air.
She says she discovered a wide-open window at her home and repeatedly noticed unmarked vehicles parked near residences after relocating across multiple states. Banks also alleges Kwatinetz falsely accused her of attempting to rob his home.
Additionally, the Harlem rapper claims her former manager engaged in coercive control, financial exploitation, blackmail, and behavior intended to disturb her peace while allegedly pressuring her to extend recording agreements for his own financial gain.
Banks further alleges Kwatinetz falsely represented in court that she refused to appear for a deposition.
Long Legal History Between Banks and Kwatinetz
The latest filing adds another chapter to the years-long legal battle between the two.
In 2020, Kwatinetz sued Banks, alleging extortion. That lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He later filed another lawsuit in 2021 asserting claims of stalking, defamation, and civil extortion. Banks was ultimately found liable in that case.
The current restraining order request seeks stay-away and no-contact orders, protection for several of Banks' family members, disclosure and cancellation of the disputed life insurance policy, a prohibition against further surveillance, and permission for Banks to appear remotely during future court proceedings.
No Allegations of Physical Violence
Notably, Banks' petition does not allege physical violence. Instead, the filing centers on claims of psychological and emotional abuse, coercive control, and intimidation that she says have persisted for years.
As of now, the allegations remain unproven, and the California court has not ruled on the merits of Banks' claims. Jeffery Evan Kwatinetz has not publicly responded to the latest filing.