Wu-Tang Clan sued by Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s widow
Icelene Jones claims she is owed years of royalties earned by the group.
Wu-Tang Clan are facing legal action from Icelene Jones, the widow of Ol' Dirty Bastard and sole executor of his estate, over her claims that she is owed royalties generated by the group. Variety reports that Jones is seeking at least $1 million in damages plus interest and attorneys’ fees.
The report states that Jones is citing a 1992 agreement made between her late partner and the other members of the rap group that entitles him to 50 percent of net proceeds from publishing and recording royalties, as well as merchandising and videos. The FADER has reached out for comment.
Wu-Tang Clan's business ventures have grown in recent years with their story being told as part of a multi-season Hulu series and even acting as the inspiration for a theme park in South Korea.
Last year, meanwhile, the Wu-Tang project Once Upon A Time In Shaolin was sold in order to resolve a $7.4 million penalty levied against previous owner Martin Shkreli, who was convicted of securities fraud in 2018 and sentenced to seven years in prison.