Lawsuit Against Remy Ma Dropped Due To Criminal Trial

Remy Ma's alleged shooting victim has dropped her $80 million lawsuit against the rapper - in order to await the outcome of the star's trial.

Makeda Barnes-Joseph, who was left critically wounded from the alleged shooting outside a New York nightclub in July, filed suit in New York in December, accusing Remy Ma - real name Remy Smith - of "willfully, wantonly and maliciously" firing a gun at her. The alleged incident is said to have stemmed from a dispute over $3,000 that was missing from the rapper's purse.

The suit also named record companies Universal Music Group and Sure Shot Recordings as defendants, accusing the firms of encouraging the star to behave violently to promote her image.

But now, according to Allhiphop.com, Barnes-Joseph has decided to drop her civil action against Smith, with the possibility of re-filing the claim once the criminal trial has been concluded.

Smith is accused of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, gang assault and witness intimidation in relation to the alleged shooting and is currently on trial in New York.

She has pleaded not guilty to all charges but faces up to 25 years in jail if convicted.

News entry number 72 added on Mar 20, 2008 in the Celebrity News category.