Audio By Carbonatix
Entertainer Jennifer Lopez says her former driver resorted to blackmail after the singer didn't use a security team he recommended for a music video shoot.
In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles last week, Lopez, her manager and her production company allege that an attorney representing driver Hakob Manoukian demanded that "unless Manoukian was paid $2.8 million, he would disclose sensitive and personal information that he allegedly heard while driving Lopez."
The lawsuit also accuses the former driver of making "other ominous threats to report Ms. Lopez to the 'authorities' if his demands were not met."
Lopez is seeking a minimum of $20 million in damages.
Her suit is the latest chapter in a legal battle that began in April, when Manoukian, who was also Lopez's head of personal security in Los Angeles, filed a lawsuit accusing Lopez, her manager and her production company of breaching his employment contract when they decided he would not handle production security.
Manoukian's lawsuit alleges he had hired two police officers to assist with security during a music video produced by Def Jam Records. The night before the officers were to report for work, Manoukian says he was told to cancel their services and that Lopez' manager was assuming responsibility for hiring personal security.
Lopez' suit alleges that Manoukian "became hostile and angry because he mistakenly and unreasonably believed he had the unqualified right to designate the security team and profit from any budgetary allocations for such security."
Representatives for Lopez and Manoukian could not be immediately reached for comment. Lopez' attorney, Alex Weingarten, declined to comment, saying the "cross-complaint speaks for itself."
The dispute between Lopez and her former driver dates back to 2011, shortly after Lopez and singer Marc Anthony announced their plans to split.
Manoukian quit his job with Anthony's company, ARI Enterprises Ltd., and offered to work for Lopez in July 2011, according to Lopez's suit, which alleges he quit his job "under false pretenses" after one month of service.
Manoukian's lawsuit alleges that "intolerable" work conditions forced him to resign, noting that he regularly worked more than 40 hours per week, did not receive overtime pay and was not allowed "to take all his proper meal periods."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Kwakye Ofosu says cost of living eased under Mahama government
46 minutes -
Total banking deposits stood at GH¢302.0bn in October 2025, but foreign currency deposits contracted by 21%
58 minutes -
Interior Minister calls for collective action to enhance security in Ashanti Region
1 hour -
Baobab: Tree of life dying as climate change ravages Northern Ghana
1 hour -
Extradition of Ofori-Atta and Tamakloe-Attinou could take up to three years – Victoria Bright
1 hour -
Government pledges support for Accra commuters amid transport challenges
1 hour -
GES probes alleged feeding problems at Savelugu Senior High School
1 hour -
Government is reviewing Saglemi Housing deal and private takeover – Kwakye Ofosu
1 hour -
Nana Ama McBrown, Kate Henshaw headline Women of Valour London 2026
2 hours -
David Asante’s contributions at GPCL must be recognised – Vicky Bright
2 hours -
I don’t want my people to be mistreated by ICE — Ambassador Victor Smith tells US Senator
2 hours -
Detained fugitives: If you’re not prepared to be accountable, don’t hold public office – Vicky Bright
2 hours -
Adutwum outlines vision for a growth-minded Ghana, draws lessons from global experiences
2 hours -
I wish former CSA boss Dr Antwi-Boasiako continues in office – Sampson Lardy
2 hours -
Kotoko maintain title ambition despite mixed results – Sarfo Duku
2 hours
