Rap star Lil Uzi Vert is taking Oro House Recovery Centers to court, according to new lawsuit reported over the weekend by People Magazine’s Charna Flam and Marissa G. Muller.
The “I Just Wanna Rock” hitmaker, whose legal name is Symere Bysil Woods, is pursuing confidentiality claims against Oro House Recovery Centers. He alleges a rehabilitation facility employee unlawfully recorded a confidential therapy session. Uzi claims Oro House allowed the recording to circulate on social media, according to court filings.
Woods filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court in June 2024 against Oro House Recovery Centers’ Acadia Malibu facility, employee Lynn Tumpa and Tumpa’s minor nephew. Woods, who uses they/them pronouns, alleges the defendants violated federal and California privacy laws by recording treatment sessions without consent and disclosing confidential medical information.
According to the complaint, Woods entered the Malibu treatment center in February 2022 and participated in individual and group therapy while receiving substance abuse treatment. The lawsuit alleges Tumpa secretly recorded part of a therapy session and shared the recording with her nephew. The video later appeared on X in February 2024 and on Instagram in April 2024.
Lil Uzi Vert Files Lawsuit Against Oro House Recovery Centers Over Leaked Information During 2022 Rehab
Although the complaint does not identify who ultimately uploaded the recording, Woods alleges Tumpa was “the source” and disseminated the video either directly or indirectly.
The complaint asserts claims for breach of contract, negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent retention, breach of confidentiality under the California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act, invasion of privacy, intrusion upon seclusion, breach of fiduciary duty and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. Woods seeks compensatory, punitive and statutory damages.
The litigation recently centered on a discovery dispute concerning Woods’ deposition. Defense counsel moved to compel Woods to appear for a deposition in California. Woods opposed the request, offering instead to testify in New York, where they reside, or remotely by videoconference.
On June 23, the court denied the motion. It concluded that a nonresident plaintiff cannot be compelled to appear for deposition in California. The court stated that such a deposition must occur within the United States. It must also be within 75 miles of the deponent’s residence or business office. They also declined to impose monetary sanctions.
“The Court reached the right decision here,” Woods’ attorney, David Moreno, said. “We look forward to taking this case to trial.”
The action remains pending, and the court has not ruled on the merits of Woods’ allegations.
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