T.I. and Tiny Prevail as Judge Tosses Defamation Lawsuit

ameka "Tiny" Cottle and T.I. attend the 51st NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and T.I. attend the 51st NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/FilmMagic)

In a decisive ruling, a court has dismissed Sabrina Peterson’s defamation lawsuit against T.I. and Tiny, closing a contentious legal battle. As reported by Rolling Stone, during a court session held on March 24, Judge Shultz expressed disappointment over Peterson’s inadequate efforts to advance her case, labeling her inaction as “inexcusable.” The legal disputes began in 2021 when Peterson accused T.I. and Tiny of drugging and sexually abusing multiple women, alongside allegations that the rapper threatened her with a firearm in front of her children.

Initially, five out of seven claims were dismissed, prompting the couple to file a countersuit for substantial legal fees, which they successfully secured in October 2023. Despite multiple court orders mandating the repayment of nearly $96,000, Peterson has reportedly failed to make any payments, leading to renewed scrutiny in court this week.

During the proceedings, Peterson claimed financial hardship, proposing a manageable repayment plan of $1,000 per month to settle the debt. However, Judge Shultz highlighted the lack of any payment over the past 17 months and questioned Peterson’s commitment to her own lawsuit. T.I. and Tiny’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, emphasized that Peterson had made no substantial moves to progress her claims, which further justified the court’s decision to dismiss the case entirely.

“The case was filed on March 1, 2021, and it has now been four years and 23 days. The court finds that the plaintiff has failed to prosecute the case. The case is dismissed,” Judge Shultz stated, reinforcing the notion of accountability in legal proceedings.

In the aftermath of the ruling, Peterson shared her relief with Rolling Stone, stating, “I’m relieved it’s finally over. It’s been four or five years, and I’m really tired.” However, the conclusion of this case appears to mark the beginning of another legal challenge, as she was served with a new defamation lawsuit from T.I. as she entered the courtroom, indicating that the legal entanglements for both parties may not be entirely resolved.


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