The man who sued Kanye West over an alleged assault outside SoHo Warehouse in Downtown L.A. dropped the suit after the musician agreed to a settlement.
Justin Poplawski, an autograph seeker, informed the court that the settlement encompasses the entire case, as per court documents obtained by In Touch Weekly.
On September 11, Justin and Kanye, who are 47 years old, reached an agreement. Justin filed a lawsuit against Kanye in Los Angeles Superior Court for assault and battery in February.
He asserted that he was a renowned autograph dealer who had previously obtained Kanye's autograph without any complications. The lawsuit alleged that on Jan. 13, 2022, Justin waited outside Soho Warehouse for Kanye.
He stated that Kanye began screaming at him as he was exiting the premises. Justin asserted that Kanye informed him, “I’m going to make a f–king example out of you.”
The suit accused Kanye of informing the man, “Get the f–k [out of] here before I beat you the f–k up. I’m going to make a f–king example out of you.”
Justin stated Kanye then struck him in the face before inquiring about his whereabouts. “So do you want to get attacked for real?”
Justin stated that he requested an apology from Kanye, but the musician responded by laughing. The lawsuit alleged that Ye struck Justin multiple times after he declined to repent at the scene.
Justin's attorney asserted that Kanye “did physically assault, harm, batter, and injure [Justin], with the intent of committing such assault, harm, battery and injury, when, without limitation, [Ye] unlawfully and intentionally struck [Justin]; physically and violently attacked and battered [Justin]; and repeatedly struck [Justin] while [Justin] was defenseless and in fear for his safety causing [Justin] to sustain damages.” Justin said he was “severely” injured by Kanye's alleged assault.
According to his attorney, Justin endured hardships. “Past and future non-economic damages, including: physical pain, mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and severe emotional distress," he stated.
The autograph seeker filed a lawsuit, seeking unspecified damages for the emotional trauma he experienced and the medical expenses he incurred. Kanye refuted all allegations of misconduct.
The rapper contended that his actions were taken to safeguard himself. At the time, his attorney contended, “[Ye] is informed and believes, and based on such information and belief, alleges that [Ye] was justified in doing any and/or all of the acts alleged in the Complaint.”
Kanye's attorney stated, “All of the purported causes of action in the Complaint are barred to the extent [Ye] acted in defense of himself and/or others.” Additionally, the counsel contended that, “[Ye] acted reasonably and in good faith at all times material herein, based on all relevant facts and circumstances known to [Ye] at the time [Ye] so acted.”
A few weeks later, Brian Brumfield, Kanye's attorney, dismissed him from the assault litigation and several other pending cases that had been filed against him.
Brian informed the court, “Defendant, Kanye West, terminated the relationship on 6/21/2024. [Ye] also will not speak to counsel and [Ye] refuses to pay counsel as well.” Weeks prior to the settlement's disclosure, the judge authorized the request.
Kanye has yet to notify the court that he has retained a new attorney to represent him in the cases.
This week, the rapper and his wife, Bianca Censori, were observed in Japan. Earlier this month, Kanye decided to forgo a separate $2 million court battle, as In Touch Weekly first reported.
