ReportWire

Tag: LEGAL

  • French Rapper MHD Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Murder

    French Rapper MHD Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Murder

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    Parisian rapper MHD has been sentenced to 12 years in prison over the 2018 murder of a 23-year-old man, French news service Agence France-Press reports. MHD had pled not guilty to the charges.

    Per the AFP, MHD reiterated his not-guilty plea during a final statement to the jury, remarking: “From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence in this case and I will continue to maintain my innocence.” MHD was tried alongside eight co-defendants: three were acquitted, while five others received sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, per The Guardian. All of the convicted parties pled not guilty. 

    MHD was originally charged with voluntary manslaughter in 2019, after he was arrested in relation to the July 2018 killing of the man, identified as Loïc K, in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. MHD’s car was reportedly spotted at the scene of the crime. At the time, MHD’s lawyer denied that the artist had “any involvement in the brawl” during which Loïc K died in a statement to the AFP. 

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    Hattie Lindert

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  • Lizzo Sued by Former Tour Employee Over Working Conditions

    Lizzo Sued by Former Tour Employee Over Working Conditions

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    Lizzo’s legal woes continue. Asha Daniels, who says she worked in Lizzo’s wardrobe department on tour this year, alleges in a new lawsuit that she was sometimes refused breaks during 20-hour shifts, and that she heard racist and fatphobic comments from members of Lizzo’s team, TMZ reports. She says Amanda Nomura, a member of Lizzo’s team, called Black women on the tour “dumb,” “useless,” and “fat,” according to the lawsuit. The complaint follows a lawsuit that three other dancers filed at the start of August, alleging they were sexually harassed and weight-shamed. Pitchfork has emailed Daniels’ lawyer for further details.

    In the lawsuit, Daniels claims Nomura rolled a clothing rack over her ankle, and that she was later reprimanded for wearing Crocs to ease the swelling. She says she raised the issue with Lizzo’s tour manager, Carlina Gugliotta, who advised her to get video evidence, but that she felt that would be unethical. She also says she wasn’t allowed to wear sexy clothing around Lizzo, claiming Lizzo did not want her boyfriend to be around other beautiful women. Daniels says she was eventually fired, leading to ongoing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines, ocular distortions, brain fog, and fatigue.

    When reached by Pitchfork, a Lizzo spokesman, Stefan Friedman, stated:

    As Lizzo receives a Humanitarian Award tonight from the Black Music Action Coalition for the incredible charitable work she has done to lift up all people, an ambulance-chasing lawyer tries to sully this honor by recruiting someone to file a bogus, absurd publicity-stunt lawsuit who, wait for it, never actually met or even spoke with Lizzo.

    We will pay this as much attention as it deserves. None.

    In the previous lawsuit, filed back in August, Lizzo, her Big Grrl Big Touring production company, and her dance captain, Shirlene Quigley, were named as defendants. (Asha Daniels is represented by Neama Rahmani, the lawyer who represents the original plaintiffs.) It cites instances of racial discrimination and disability discrimination, along with an incident in Amsterdam where Lizzo allegedly pressured a dancer into touching a nude performer’s breasts. On the same occasion, Lizzo allegedly urged dancers to “catch dildos launched from the performers’ vaginas and eat bananas protruding from the performers’ vaginas.”

    In response to the original lawsuit, Lizzo said the “false allegations” were “as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.” She added, in part, “Sometimes I have to make hard decisions but it’s never my intention to make anyone feel uncomfortable or like they aren’t valued as an important part of the team. I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be be these last few days.”

    In response to that statement, the original three plaintiffs—Arianna Davis, Crystal Williams, and Noelle Rodriguez—reiterated and elaborated on their claims to CNN. “It took me until actually leaving the camp that I figured out that everything that went on was bad, because I just chalked it up to, you know, oh, Lizzo might be a diva, or this is just the industry, this is what we go through,” Davis said. She added that it was “disheartening” and “incredibly frustrating” for Lizzo to deny, and try to discredit, their claims.

    In late August, it emerged that 14 Lizzo dancers had settled a separate lawsuit earlier this year. The dancers, who had appeared in the 2022 documentary Love, Lizzo, raised a dispute involving payment for their appearance. A group including a “Lizzo entity” and co-production company Boardwalk Pictures settled the claim in February for $109,551.

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • Woman working to open first-ever marijuana consumption spa in Denver – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Woman working to open first-ever marijuana consumption spa in Denver – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    DENVER — A vacant building in Denver’s Baker neighborhood could soon become a one-stop-shop where people can receive a spa treatment and buy and consume marijuana.

    “The vision for Pure Elevation Spa and Garden is to really educate consumers about the benefits of medicinal marijuana,” said Rebecca Marroquin, the woman behind the idea. “My market was medicinal use to help my clients as a massage therapist get relief, whether it be from aching joints, arthritis, emotional and mental disabilities.”

    Marroquin received tentative approval from Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses on Tuesday for a marijuana consumption license. She plans to have an outdoor courtyard where cannabis can be consumed, a garden for meditative purposes, and a micro-dispensary that will sell coffee and snacks. She also hopes to offer full THC massages and body treatments if they become legal.

    Denver

    Two Denver businesses hope to open marijuana smoking lounges by spring

    9:32 PM, Feb 08, 2023

    It is illegal to use marijuana — either through smoking, vaping or eating — in public places. The City of Denver is hoping to provide more spaces for marijuana users through its marijuana hospitality licenses.

    “One thing we want to do is make sure that people are following the rules but also protect the businesses getting the required licenses,” said Eric Escudero, spokesman for Denver’s Department of Excise and…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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    MMP News Author

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  • Are Your Testimonials Helping Or Hurting? 4 Common Mistakes To Avoid | Entrepreneur

    Are Your Testimonials Helping Or Hurting? 4 Common Mistakes To Avoid | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Positive testimonials are arguably the most powerful marketing tool any business can equip. It’s no secret word of mouth can drive business growth, even if no other marketing systems are in place.

    However, the absence of great testimonials or prominent negative reviews can be detrimental. A lack of social proof or a single negative review can result in as many as 51.4% of potential prospects searching for a competitor instead of going with your offering. So your company must show off some endorsements.

    Many companies attempt to prove themselves in unethical ways to counter the consequences of having few testimonials. Startups in a rush to start earning profits are the biggest offenders. But I’m here to tell you that it’s never worth it.

    Misuse or unethical use of testimonials creeps onto product pages, websites and review platforms daily. And while short-term profits may rise, it could potentially kill your business over time as potential customers catch on.

    There are several ways testimonials can get misused and ruin brand trust. Here are 4 of the most common.

    Related: How to Get and Use Testimonials, Referrals and Reviews

    1. Irrelevant testimonials

    Testimonials must accurately represent your target audience — if your potential customers find them irrelevant, they will remain unconvinced you can solve their problem.

    An example: If you’re a growth marketing agency selling SEO campaigns for tech companies, decision-makers want to see the results you’ve delivered for those in the tech and innovation space. You don’t want to slap logos of gardening and manufacturing companies on the front page of your website.

    This disconnect in testimonials and target audience confuses buyers more than it helps.

    2. Outdated testimonials

    Take the time to revisit your most prominently portrayed testimonials. Are they recent? Do the results and processes displayed still work today? Many industries evolve quickly, and decision-makers want to know if your company has evolved with those shifts.

    Related: 5 Strategies for Getting the Most Out of a Customer Testimonial

    3. Fake testimonials

    I was once on the verge of buying a $2,000 program from a prominent digital creator promising up-to-date techniques on social media writing. I was intrigued by a new, different approach.

    While doing my research, I clicked over to the founder’s Twitter (X) account. It turns out one of his most recent tweets was a picture of him and his roommate. The interesting bit? I immediately recognized the roommate because the large testimonial on the landing page of this program was the same man.

    It turns out I was right to complete my due diligence because a conveniently located friend faked the entire testimonial — $ 2,000 saved. And the ongoing consequence for that course creator? I’ll never revisit a single product that person reveals again because any trust is gone.

    4. Anonymous testimonials

    Adjacent to fake testimonials are anonymous testimonials.

    Anonymous testimonials can’t be proven, tracked or verified in any meaningful way. So you may as well leave them off your website entirely. Any business can write nice words and say “Katie” said this about their service. But with no picture, no link to the work, and no company to research, these testimonials may as well be deleted.

    How to use testimonials effectively

    Every testimonial you decide to incorporate needs to pull the psychological levers of your potential buyers. Don’t copy and paste quotes that match your headlines. Instead, as you start gathering testimonials, focus on these three pillars to maximize their effectiveness.

    1. Have authentic testimonials

    Not only should you do the obvious and ask permission to display testimonials, but they need to be written in your current (or past) clients’ words.

    Testimonials are best believed if they come in natural language. There’s a desire to edit words, change phrases, and get the “perfect” testimonial. Often times clients are willing for you to make adjustments. But I’m here to tell you — don’t do it.

    Editing testimonials does more harm than good. It’s crucial to resist the temptation to make edits so the testimonials you display are genuinely one-of-a-kind.

    Related: Make Customer Testimonials Meaningful

    2. Highlight specific outcomes

    Just because I don’t recommend editing testimonials doesn’t mean you shouldn’t request those giving them to speak on specific outcomes. When requesting a testimonial, instead of asking someone to say “nice words,” ask what they have accomplished since working with your business.

    How many more leads are you getting each month? How much has MRR increased? How much time is your tech team saving each week? How much weight did you lose, and how fast? These are all examples of great questions to ask former clients.

    The bottom line: ask them to quantify the before and after of working with your company. This leads to specificity, believability and trust from future buyers.

    3. Display prominently

    Most of all, don’t underestimate the value of testimonials. People love safety in numbers and buy when they feel secure with your product.

    The more testimonials you can display, the better. Put them on your website, product pages, social media, and marketing materials whenever possible.

    Over and over again, remind people of the quality of your work and service. This way, when it’s time for them to buy, they’re thinking of you and your company, not your competitors.

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    Thomas Strider

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  • How to Solve 5 of The Biggest Global Payroll Challenges | Entrepreneur

    How to Solve 5 of The Biggest Global Payroll Challenges | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Building a global workforce is a smart way to boost growth and productivity. But to make it successful, you need to handle the challenges of a compliant global payroll.

    After all, there’s no point in having a global workforce if you can’t pay them properly. By managing compliant international payroll, you can capitalize on the potential of your global team and drive your business forward.

    Navigating the complex global payroll landscape can be daunting for businesses. From unfamiliar tax regulations to complex compliance requirements, organizations face significant challenges in managing international payroll effectively.

    However, by mastering these challenges, businesses can unlock untapped growth opportunities and harness the power of a global workforce. Let’s examine the five biggest global payroll obstacles and look at practical strategies to overcome them.

    Related: The Rise of Self-Employed in the Global Workforce and What Business Owners Need to Know

    Exploring the five challenges of global payroll

    1. Local tax laws and regulations.

    To ensure employees are taxed correctly, regardless of where they are, organizations need to plan and follow tax payment rules carefully. Companies must stay updated on the changing regulations and policies set by foreign governments to meet these requirements.

    2. Worker categorization.

    It is necessary to understand the differences between employee and contractor classifications when dealing with international employees. Correctly categorizing them is essential to avoid legal penalties and protect a company’s intellectual property. Misclassifying employees can result in severe consequences such as hefty fines, penalties, damage to reputation and ultimately, enough challenges to make staying in the country not worthwhile.

    3. Data protection policies.

    The confidentiality of employee payroll information is essential and requires strong security measures. While payroll companies may be familiar with data protection regulations in their own countries, managing global payroll necessitates compliance with data laws in various locations, such as GDPR in Europe or PDPA in Singapore.

    4. Payment currency.

    Determining the method and timing of payment for employees working in different countries is pivotal. It’s important to consider that the location can influence the currency used and the applicable employment laws. If payroll teams are unaware of the latest rates and don’t ensure timely payments, foreign exchange fees can pose a problem in various markets.

    5. Employee benefits.

    Companies must pay close attention to the different statutory benefits offered to their global workers in each country. Obligations such as pensions, sick leave, health insurance and maternity leave can vary significantly from one country to another. Failing to meet the specific benefit requirements of a country may result in attracting the attention of local authorities.

    Related: Practical Solutions for the Top 5 Challenges for Founders in 2023

    Overcoming global payroll hurdles

    Global payroll compliance presents significant challenges, but solutions are available. Here are three proven strategies to overcome international payroll challenges effectively.

    1. Outsourcing global payroll.

    One approach to handling global payroll is to explore international payroll companies that specialize in managing all aspects of payroll for expanding businesses.

    International payroll providers typically operate within the country where the organization does business. This advantageous setup provides a complete understanding of local labor laws and regulations, ensuring proper protection for workers.

    By partnering with a payroll company, organizations can delegate crucial responsibilities such as tax management, compliance, handling paid time off and other payroll-related tasks. This is especially helpful for new international businesses because it allows them to focus on their core operations while experts manage payroll matters.

    2. Employer of Record (EOR).

    A global Employer of Record (EOR) is a valuable resource for businesses seeking to hire, onboard and pay workers from other countries without setting up an expensive and time-consuming legal entity.

    Managing payroll obligations can be complex and time-consuming. An EOR simplifies the entire process by taking charge of all aspects of employee compensation. This includes fulfilling payroll requirements, managing voluntary benefits, facilitating smooth onboarding and offboarding procedures, handling expense reimbursements and more.

    3. Shadow payroll system.

    Another innovative solution for paying global employees is a shadow payroll system. It ensures that taxes and social security payments are correctly handled for employees working in a foreign country while still meeting their obligations in their home country.

    A person assigned to work internationally might be paid by their home country’s payroll, employer’s payroll or both. The shadow payroll comes into play when the employee is not paid directly in the country they’re working in.

    It calculates and reports the taxes and benefit contributions that would be required if the employee were paid in that country without actually making the salary payments to the employee.

    Related: Audits are Getting More Attention Because of Financial Irregularities at New-Age Ventures

    Don’t let payroll compliance slow global growth

    By proactively addressing the biggest global payroll obstacles and implementing the strategies outlined in this piece, businesses can transform the daunting task of managing international payroll into a streamlined and compliant process.

    Embracing innovative solutions like outsourcing, Employer of Record (EOR) services and shadow payroll systems can further boost efficiency and accuracy. Organizations can now conquer payroll challenges and unlock the full potential of a global workforce.

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    James Peters

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  • 5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Patent Portfolio Manager | Entrepreneur

    5 Things to Look for When Hiring a Patent Portfolio Manager | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Hiring a patent portfolio manager is a milestone that will enhance your enterprise’s patent program. Managing the patent process efficiently becomes more difficult at scale without dedicated staffing. Without proper planning, your inventors’ hard-won innovations risk being under-protected by your enterprise.

    Hiring an incompetent patent portfolio manager may result in valuable ideas remaining unpatented, a decrease in innovator engagement, unjustified patent prosecution costs and an inadequate return on your IP investments.

    Unearthing patents from your innovators requires a patent portfolio manager with technical expertise, standout interpersonal skills and undeterred persistence. Simultaneously, strengthening your patent portfolio against competitors demands significant patent-related experience. And generating maximum returns on IP investments demands sound business acumen.

    An adept patent portfolio manager should possess a diverse skill set aligned with your enterprise’s objectives. Evaluating candidates on these five key competencies can help you select the right one:

    • Technical expertise

    • Legal experience

    • Eye for detail

    • Interpersonal skills

    • Business acumen

    Read on as we delve deeper into these core attributes.

    Related: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Inventing

    1. Technical expertise

    Inventors typically have a lot on their plate. Their primary focus is on innovation and product development with little time for the administrative tasks needed to keep the patent program running. Amid their busy schedules, they might overlook reporting their innovations for patenting.

    Sometimes, they might even dismiss an invention as too obvious, deciding not to report it at all. Consequently, you may miss out on potentially patentable ideas.

    A portfolio manager who is familiar with your enterprise’s technology can have conversations with the inventors, guiding them on which ideas should be protected. Ideally, a seasoned employee or someone acquainted with your enterprise’s technological focus would be suitable. They need not understand all the innovation, but they should have enough background knowledge to identify and capture the best ideas.

    2. Legal experience

    Addressing complex queries about the likelihood of getting a patent, complete life-cycle cost estimates and strategic filing decisions across multiple jurisdictions can be challenging without legal experience.

    Moreover, interacting with outside patent counsel in the absence of knowledge of patent terminology can lead to ineffective communication. Ineffective communication between a patent portfolio manager and outside counsel can lead to misunderstandings about strategic patent goals, potential delays in the patent prosecution process, increased costs and unsuccessful patent filings. These complications can, in turn, jeopardize the enterprise’s intellectual property strategy to protect its market.

    A patent portfolio manager with legal experience, potentially from a law firm or corporate role, can effectively communicate with counsel, answer intricate questions and guide the implementation of cost-effective patent filing strategies across multiple jurisdictions.

    3. Eye for detail

    Managing large patent portfolios with hundreds of matters across different countries can be overwhelming due to extensive tracking, communication and administrative work.

    Moreover, patent rights for an invention are given country by country. It’s perplexing to efficiently navigate the complexities of obtaining patent rights across different countries. Coordinating with legal counsel in each jurisdiction, managing numerous email correspondences, answering specific questions, reaching out to the right individuals and getting signatures demands an eye for detail.

    A detail-oriented patent portfolio manager can handle large patent portfolios effectively. With a strong understanding of your enterprise processes and excellent organizational skills, they ensure timely responses. They also excel at obtaining necessary approvals and signatures while maintaining a well-organized administration.

    Related: The Basics of Protecting Your Intellectual Property, Explained

    4. Interpersonal skills

    Inventors must intensely focus on their product innovation with little time to engage in extensive paperwork. Distractions and delays in submitting invention disclosures can starve your patent pipeline. This results in a rushed patenting process, seeking patent protection just before product launch.

    Besides, it’s not unusual for enterprise members, legal counsel or foreign associates to be awaiting answers or information. The intensity of delivering a product leaves little time to focus on the big picture.

    Given the multitude of outstanding queries and patent-related tasks in an enterprise, this role requires strong interpersonal skills and diligence. Mining patents requires constant sleuthing to find what the inventors are doing. The patent manager must build solid relationships with inventors and establish clear communication channels for efficient reporting of potential inventions, ensuring all stakeholders receive timely information.

    5. Business acumen

    Enterprises often face challenges in aligning their patent strategies with wider business goals.

    It’s daunting to gauge the commercial potential of patents, navigate patent licensing negotiations and make strategic litigation decisions, all while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Alignment of the patent program with strategic goals requires focus and an even keel.

    Thus, unlocking the true market potential of your patent portfolio demands that the patent portfolio manager possesses strong business acumen.

    Related: Create the Strongest Patent Possible With These 5 Tips

    A capable patent portfolio manager can prove to be more cost-effective and yield better results in comparison to being dependent on an organic process internally or even on outside legal counsel for various tasks like mining patents, strengthening patent portfolios and generating higher returns on IP investments.

    The perfect candidate for the patent portfolio manager position should demonstrate a combination of technical proficiency, legal background, attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and business acumen.

    Recruiting one can be a challenging task, but often the best candidates are right under your nose. They might be among the external counsel you already work with, exhibiting proficiency in tasks you need to get done at competitive costs. It could even be found within the enterprise with a prolific inventor having an interest in a bigger role in the legal department. These professionals could transition into a full-time role within your enterprise.

    Drawing from over 25 years of experience in patent prosecution, I can vouch that hiring a competent patent portfolio manager, as outlined in this post, can contribute positively to your enterprise’s success in conquering your patent landscape. You can further empower your patent portfolio manager by adopting the right patent management software.

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    Thomas Franklin

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  • A$AP Rocky Sued by A$AP Relli, Alleged Shooting Victim, for Defamation

    A$AP Rocky Sued by A$AP Relli, Alleged Shooting Victim, for Defamation

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    A$AP Rocky and his lawyer Joe Tacopina have both been sued by A$AP Relli for defamation, Rolling Stone reports. The lawsuit focuses on statements made after Rocky was charged and sued for allegedly shooting Relli in a November 2021 incident. In August 2022, Rocky pleaded not guilty to two charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Rocky, as well as Relli’s attorney and Tacopina’s office, for comment.

    The lawsuit points to 10 different instances where Relli was defamed in the press. It specifically cites Tacopina’s claim to media outlets that Relli was attempting to extort Rocky through litigation. In exchange for allegedly suffering damage to his reputation, personal brand, community status as a member of A$AP Mob, and future income, Relli is seeking punitive or exemplary damages, plus legal fees.

    In a statement to Rolling Stone, Tacopina said he welcomes the litigation, adding, “Especially before the resolution of the criminal case. It will expose the fraud committed by their client. It’s unfortunate that these lawyers don’t know the facts of this case or the actions of their client, but I will be happy to educate them.”

    Rocky is currently out on bond. Following many delays, he’s due for a preliminary hearing on November 8. If convicted, he could face up to nine years in prison. Last month, Rocky and his partner Rihanna welcomed their second child together.

    The 30 Best Movie Performances by Rappers

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    Nina Corcoran, Evan Minsker

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  • Live Nation Faces Wage Theft Lawsuit in California

    Live Nation Faces Wage Theft Lawsuit in California

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    Live Nation Entertainment is facing a lawsuit alleging multiple instances of wage theft, Law.com reports and Pitchfork can confirm. A complaint filed on Tuesday claims that Insomniac Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of the live music giant, violated California labor law by failing to pay overtime wages, failing to pay minimum wages for all hours worked, and failing to provide meal breaks.

    The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Bibiyan Law Group on behalf of King Johnson, who worked as a security guard for Insomniac from about June 2021 to at least July 2022, according to the complaint. Johnson is bringing the case under the California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, a unique state law that authorizes any “aggrieved employee” to sue an employer for themselves and all other employees who have been similarly harmed by alleged labor code violations. The lawsuit is against Insomniac and any of its parent, subsidiary, or affiliate companies within California.

    According to the complaint, Insomniac required employees who were clocked out to “remain on-call,” complete pre-shift and post-shift tasks, work through meal periods, “don and doff” uniforms or safety gear, attend company meetings, and drive or make phone calls. Insomniac also allegedly failed to include all forms of pay, including meal allowances and bonuses, when calculating the overtime pay rate. The complaint claims, too, that Insomniac fudged time entries “to show fewer hours than actually worked.” All of this allegedly resulted in the Live Nation Entertainment subsidiary improperly paying the regular rate of pay instead of overtime pay. It also allegedly resulted in the company failing to pay the minimum wage for all hours worked.

    Other allegations include failing to provide itemized and accurate wage statements, failing to pay employees for their paid time off and vacation time, and failing to reimburse the costs of driving personal vehicles or purchasing uniforms and safety gear. The complaint also alleges that Insomniac failed to provide the amount of paid sick leave required under California law and failed to pay wages within the legally required time frame.

    Through the lawsuit, King Johnson is seeking civil penalties and more. When reached by Pitchfork, Insomniac shared the following statement:

    This case is not factual. King Johnson never worked for Insomniac, and Insomniac was never involved in his payroll, time keeping or any other management function associated with him. He seems to have worked for a third-party security company. As such, we are filing to have this matter dismissed.

    Live Nation has been in court recently over the Astroworld tragedy and the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster fiasco. Last month, Live Nation was sued over a forklift injury allegedly suffered by a stagehand who was building a stage for the Weeknd. Records on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website show that the company has been fined or sued over a variety of safety issues.

    The California Private Attorneys General Act of 2004, of which King Johnson and his attorneys are taking advantage, was in the news earlier this year when the California Supreme Court rejected a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that would have undercut the sweeping law. The state’s attorney general argued that the law is necessary to protect workers’ rights and enforce labor protections, while business groups have contended that it is unfairly burdensome.

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    Marc Hogan

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  • Zach Bryan Arrested in Oklahoma on Obstruction Charges

    Zach Bryan Arrested in Oklahoma on Obstruction Charges

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    Country singer Zach Bryan, who recently earned his first No. 1 single (“I Remember Everything”) and No. 1 album (Zach Bryan), has been arrested in Oklahoma on obstruction charges, TMZ reports and online records confirm. Bryan was booked into the Craig County Jail tonight (September 7), charged with “Obstruction of Investigation,” and released on bond. Pitchfork has reached out to Bryan’s representatives for comment.

    Bryan released his self-titled fourth album last month via Warner and quickly debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart. It’s the third country music album to hit No. 1 in 2023. The album’s second single “I Remember Everything” (ft. Kacey Musgraves) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. 

    Update: Bryan released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, apologizing to the officers that arrested him:

    Today I had an incident with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Emotions got the best of me and I was out of line in the things I said. 

    I support law enforcement as much as anyone can, I was just frustrated in the moment, it was unlike me and I apologize. They brought me to jail, and there is a mug shot of me floating around. 

    Prayers we can all move on from this and prayers people know I’m just trying the best I can, I love you guys and I am truly sorry to the officers.

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    Matthew Ismael Ruiz

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  • Hot Boys Rapper B.G. Released After Serving Over a Decade in Federal Prison

    Hot Boys Rapper B.G. Released After Serving Over a Decade in Federal Prison

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    B.G., who rapped alongside Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Turk in the 1990s hip-hop group Hot Boys, has been released from federal prison, online records show. “After 12 winters and 13 summers, I see the end zone. It’s my last #Birthday being buried alive,” B.G. wrote on Instagram. “The main focus, is to stay focused. I’m not letting nobody rob me of my productivity, prosperity, positivity and peace of mind. My dreams then got bigger and my vision is clearer. 13 years was more then enough time for me to change the reckless path I was on.”

    B.G. was arrested in New Orleans in November 2009 on gun possession charges after being pulled over by police. Demounde Pollard, who was also arrested during the traffic stop, told authorities that the guns belonged to him, but police later alleged that he made the claim at B.G.’s request. The case was eventually moved to federal court, and the rapper was sentenced to 14 years in prison in July 2012.

    In 2015 and 2017, while B.G. was incarcerated, Lil Wayne got members of the Hot Boys back together at New Orleans events.

    The 30 Best Southern Rap Songs of the ’90s

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    Madison Bloom

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  • Gold Coin Business Run by Married Couple Turns Deadly | Entrepreneur

    Gold Coin Business Run by Married Couple Turns Deadly | Entrepreneur

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    Jim and Pamela Fayed seemed to have it all—two beautiful daughters, a sprawling horse ranch in California, and a gold exchange business that raked in millions every year. But all that glitters is not gold. The Fayeds also harbored a deep secret that would destroy both their lives.

    Related: The Art Thief Who Fell in Love With His Biggest Score

    Their businesses, Goldfinger Coin & Bullion Inc. and E-Bullion, reportedly pulled in $160 million in revenue. But when investigators started poking around about accusations of money laundering for Ponzi schemes, love and loyalty fell apart resulting in a crime that shocked their affluent community.

    Listen to this sordid tale, and please leave us a review, rating and remember to subscribe to us on your favorite platform.

    Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

    About Dirty Money

    Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

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    Dan Bova

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  • Eminem Sends Cease and Desist to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy Over “Lose Yourself”

    Eminem Sends Cease and Desist to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy Over “Lose Yourself”

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    Eminem, who is famously not into Republican presidential candidates, has sent a cease and desist to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The Daily Mail originally shared the letter, and representatives for Eminem confirmed its legitimacy to Variety. Ramaswamy performed “Lose Yourself” while campaigning at the Iowa State Fair and claimed to have cleared the campaign’s use of the song with BMI. A letter from BMI to the Ramaswamy campaign, dated August 23, clarified that Eminem is not OK with any of this.

    “BMI has received a communication from Marshall Mathers, III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions (the ‘Eminem Works’) and requesting that BMI remove all Eminem Works from the Agreement,” the letter reads. “BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach of the Agreement for which BMI reserves all rights and remedies with respect thereto.”

    Ramaswamy gave an interview to The New York Times on August 19 saying he identifies with Eminem—“the idea of being an underdog, people having low expectations of you.” The headline reads: “Vivek Ramaswamy Loves Eminem. And He Doesn’t Care If the Feeling Is Mutual.” (The feeling, seemingly, is not mutual.)

    Eminem was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

    Revisiting Eminem’s Battle Rap Fairytale 8 Mile

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    Evan Minsker

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  • 7 Things Companies Should Consider Before Going Public | Entrepreneur

    7 Things Companies Should Consider Before Going Public | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Pursuing an Initial Public Offering (IPO) is something many entrepreneurs will only experience once, and it’s important to get it right. 2021 was the biggest IPO year ever with extraordinary volumes globally. The global IPO market delivered 2,682 IPOs and raised $608 billion. The largest IPO globally in 2021 was the $13.7 billion IPO of Rivian Automotive on NASDAQ. During 2022, the market saw a dramatic decline in IPOs after a year of incredible IPO growth. Despite this, micro-cap and small-cap companies continued to dominate the 2022 IPO market in the U.S.

    To date, there have been 101 IPOs on the U.S. stock market in 2023 raising more than $60.9 billion. It’s a huge amount of money and yet, this is -25.78% less than the same time in 2022, which had 136 IPOs by this date. As you say, the markets go up and down constantly. Companies now have a new host of considerations when it comes to choosing the right time to go public. In today’s current economic climate, most entrepreneurs feel fearful going into this environment wondering, will it be a success? In order to go public, the company becomes very exposed to scrutiny, the costs are high, and the complexities are many. It is important to make the right choices to establish the best chances of success.

    As the CEO of Exchange Listing, LLC which helps micro-cap and small-cap companies list on the senior USA stock exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq, we have seen it all. In this environment, we advise companies to focus on what we call “IPO readiness,” so that a company can IPO as soon as market conditions are practical for their goals. Whether you are a company founder looking to take your business to the next level, an investor seeking to understand the risks and rewards of small-cap and micro-cap IPOs or a professional advisor helping clients navigate the IPO process, here are the seven things to consider before going public:

    Related: How to Get Your Business IPO Ready

    1. Get committed

    Be clear that this is a direction for you. If you’re not sure, don’t start getting on a roller coaster, because once you’re on it, it’s dangerous if you try to get off in the middle. It sounds exciting to take a company public, and it is. But the evolving landscape and fluctuations demanded along the way can derail you unless you are convinced this is the best course of action for the success and growth of the company.

    2. Prepare before taking action

    Preparation for a micro-cap or small-cap IPO needs to begin well before the IPO date. Ideally, a company should start assessment anywhere from 18-24 months before the actual IPO date. Going public is gratifying, but it requires significant internal and external resources. In addition, the complexities, cross-functional participation and interdependencies of going public require effective management and a clear understanding of the content and process. Therefore, preparation and groundwork are critical to a smooth execution process. Brian Cox, the CEO of SurgePays Inc. which went public in November 2021, attested to the value of having brought Exchange Listing on early in the Nasdaq Uplisting process. The company was able to prepare for its IPO well in advance and ultimately was able to raise a total of $19.78 million.

    3. Ensure the right business model

    One of the most fundamental criteria for success includes having a business model best suited for the public markets. We ensure that a company will be ready to IPO from a regulatory position. Business IPO readiness requires the coherent articulation of the core elements of the business, which will be unique to the company in question. Generally, it will encompass critical areas such as the business’s strategy, markets, products, sales, marketing, operations, financial statements and metrics. You need a company deck, a one- or two-page teaser and a comprehensive financial model.

    4. Tighten your organizational readiness

    For private companies that are planning a micro-cap or small-cap IPO, a strong executive team and a board of directors are critical. A well-positioned team will increase the value of the company and provide confidence to potential investors. The assembly of a management team, advisors and board, including the form and structure of management compensation, is critical. The management team, advisors and board need to be optimally aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and public market expectations so that they can guide the company’s operations successfully and provide public market reporting.

    Related: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Taking Your Business Public

    5. Align with SEC compliance

    The S-1 registration statement may sound unfamiliar. Preparing the S-1 registration statement involves the creation of a basic business description consistent with the SEC regulatory requirements. This involves a summarized explanation of the business, its customers, its competition and other information relevant to investors who want to make an informed investment decision regarding the company and its prospects. It includes business and financial information designed to inform prospective investors and outline all material business risks.

    6. Prepare for scrutiny

    While audits may sound scary, these are a mandatory part of the process of preparing for the IPO, and it’s important to get the details right. Footnotes and schedules are required when compiling the company’s financial statements to ensure that the company’s financial reporting complies with industry standards. The footnotes also provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements are presented fairly, free from material misstatement, and thus can be relied upon by investors.

    7. Get your finances in order

    If the company’s financials have been sloppy, now is the time to track each detail and category to ensure confidence from investors and approval. Prepare two years of profit and loss, balance sheet, cash-flow statements, related footnotes and supporting schedules. It is vital to have your financials in order to present the most accurate and thorough picture of the company’s health and the opportunity to the investors.

    Although the broader IPO market seems to be on pause due to less-than-ideal marketplace conditions, know that these market conditions are not here to stay, at least not forever. Companies that are considering an IPO would be wise to use the current pause period to hustle while they wait and prepare to become IPO ready. Thorough preparation requires that your company not only takes the proper steps and does the right things but also invests in the right partners, resources, technology tools and team. Taking these actions now will set you up for the best chance of success when the time is right to execute your first or next IPO.

    Related: To Be IPO Ready, You Need to Prepare for These 5 Potential Pitfalls

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    Peter Goldstein

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  • She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

    She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

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    “If you don’t understand the intricacies of how cryptocurrency works, I beg you not to invest in it.”

    So says Jen McAdam, a Scottish coal miner’s daughter, who was one of the countless victims of the insidious OneCoin global cryptocurrency scam. As Jen explains in this week’s episode of Dirty Money, she invested her entire inheritance only to watch it disappear.

    But rather than staying silent out of embarrassment, Jen decided to fight back and successfully mustered thousands of victims from around the world to join her. She’s written a book on the experience called DEVIL’S COIN: My Battle to Take Down the Notorious OneCoin Cryptoqueen, and she works full-time through her online Victims’ Support Group to fight for retribution.

    Despite terrifying threats against her and members of her growing support groups, Jen says she will never give up the fight to help the millions who lost everything, in some cases even their lives. Jen’s story is heartbreaking, but her willingness to be open about her financial and emotional struggles, as well as her ceaseless desire to prevent others from falling victim to crypto schemes is truly inspiring.

    Thanks as always for listening. Please leave a review, rating and remember to subscribe to us on your favorite platform.

    Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

    About Dirty Money

    Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

    Related: ‘The Most Hated Man in America’ Where Is Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Now?

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    Dan Bova

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  • A Judge Just Ordered Sam Bankman-Fried to Go To Jail | Entrepreneur

    A Judge Just Ordered Sam Bankman-Fried to Go To Jail | Entrepreneur

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    There will be no more home-cooked meals for Sam Bankman-Fried.

    The fallen crypto king has been holed up at his parents’ home in Palo Alto since pleading not guilty to fraud charges stemming from FTX‘s collapse. But this afternoon in a Manhattan courtroom, a judge revoked Bankman-Fried’s bail, ordering him to go directly to jail before his trial scheduled to begin on October 2.

    “My conclusion is there is probable cause to believe the defendant tried to tamper with witnesses at least twice,” said Judge Lewis A. Kaplan during his ruling.

    According to CNBC, court marshals took Bankman-Fried into custody after the hearing. He removed his jacket, tie, and shoes and emptied his pockets. A reporter for CNBC, who was in the courtroom, said that Bankman Fried’s mother had her face buried in her hands during the ruling.

    Related: When in Doubt, Don’t: 4 Lessons to Learn from the Crypto Implosion

    Accused of witness tampering

    Prosecutors alleged that Bankman-Fried shared emails from his former girlfriend, Caroline Ellison, with The New York Times to intimidate her before his trial in October. They also said that Bankman-Fried leaked information to other journalists, including Michael Lewis, who is writing a book about FTX.

    Last January, prosecutors argued that Bankman-Fried was sending messages to a former FTX executive who was a potential witness in the case, according to the Times. They also said Bankman-Fried was using VPN to access the internet and sending encrypted messages on Signal.

    Judge Lewis responded by banning Bankman-Fried from contacting current or former employees. But, the order was not obeyed, and Bankman-Friend will now have to prep for his trial from a jail cell.

    At press time, it was not clear where Bankman-Friend would be held. Prosecutors requested a jail in Putnam, New York, so he could access a laptop with internet. But the nearest jail to the courthouse is the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, which has limited internet access for prisoners.

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    Jonathan Small

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  • Tory Lanez Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

    Tory Lanez Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Shooting Megan Thee Stallion

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    Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, the Associated Press reports. He faced up to 22 years and 8 months for three felony convictions handed down last December: assault with a semiautomatic handgun, carrying a concealed gun in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm in a negligent manner. Prosecutors had requested a 13-year sentence, noting that under California law he would not be forced to serve his entire sentence. “Sometimes good people do bad things,” Judge David Herriford said in Los Angeles Superior Court after reviewing two days of testimony. “Actions have consequences, and there are no winners in this case.”

    While he chose not to testify at trial, Lanez did testify on the second day of his sentencing, asking the judge not to send him to prison. “Everything I did wrong that night, I take full responsibility for,” he said. Lanez still maintains his innocence; after his conviction, his then-attorney George Mgdesyan maintained they would explore “all options including an appeal.” He’ll receive 10 months credit for time served at the Los Angeles County Jail since his conviction in December.

    On the first day of the hearing, a statement by Megan Thee Stallion was read. “Since I was viciously shot by the defendant, I have not experienced a single day of peace,” the statement read. “Slowly but surely, I’m healing and coming back, but I will never be the same.” She added that she “simply could not bring myself to be in a room with Tory again” and urged the judge to issue a stiff sentence.

    Others gave statements in support of Lanez, speaking to his history of charitable giving and his life as a father. A chaplain recounted how Lanez hosted a daily prayer on his floor at the county jail. The rapper’s lawyers sought probation and treatment in a residential substance abuse program in lieu of jail time. Iggy Azalea wrote a letter seeking a “transformative, not life-destroying” sentence for Lanez; she later clarified that her letter was an example of her prison reform advocacy.

    Tory Lanez was found guilty at trial in December 2022. In the opening arguments, a deputy district attorney from Los Angeles County had established a timeline of events based on Megan Thee Stallion’s testimony and the surrounding evidence: In July 2020, Lanez shot Megan during an argument after a party at Kylie Jenner’s house. Shortly after Megan left the SUV they were inside, Lanez shot her feet; the bullet wounds left her hospitalized and unable to walk for several days.

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • The 1975 Asked to Pay Damages by Malaysian Festival Organizers for “Intentional Breach of Contract”

    The 1975 Asked to Pay Damages by Malaysian Festival Organizers for “Intentional Breach of Contract”

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    The 1975 are now facing possible legal action over their scuttled July performance at a music festival in Malaysia, as Rolling Stone and Billboard report. Organizers of Kuala Lumpur’s Good Vibes Festival have said their plans to seek undisclosed financial damages from the band, whose leader, Matty Healy, denounced the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation before kissing bassist Ross MacDonald on stage last month. Representatives for the 1975 offered no comment.

    The legal threat comes from Future Sound Asia, which had planned the weekend-long festival with the Strokes and the Kid Laroi as its other headliners. An attorney for the organization provided a statement to Rolling Stone:

    Future Sound Asia’s claim against The 1975 is, in the main, one for intentional breach of contract. Mr. Healy’s representative categorically provided a pre-show written assurance that Mr. Healy and The 1975’s live performance shall adhere to all local guidelines and regulations during their set in Malaysia. Despite this, the assurance was ignored, and the band’s actions clearly contravened the agreement with Future Sound Asia. This led to the cancellation of the festival which, in turn, caused significant losses to Future Sound Asia.

    During the 1975’s July 21 set at Good Vibes, Healy spoke out against the country’s policy that bars gay marriage and makes homosexuality punishable with a 20-year prison sentence. “If you want to invite me here to do a show, you can fuck off. I’ll take your money, you can ban me, but I’ve done this before and it doesn’t feel good, and I’m fucked off,” Healy told the crowd. The set came to an abrupt end shortly thereafter, with Healy saying, “All right, we just got banned from Kuala Lumpur. See you later.” 

    Malaysia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital canceled the rest of the three-festival on July 22, and the 1975 canceled their remaining dates in Jakarta and Taipei. At the time, a representative from Future Sounds Asia expressed concern that the incident would “erode the confidence of music promoters and various stakeholders in the live entertainment industry across the nation and threaten the stability of our burgeoning live arts scene.” The 1975 still have a North American tour slated to begin in mid-September in Atlanta.

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    Allison Hussey

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  • Placebo’s Brian Molko Sued for Calling Italian Prime Minister “Fascist, Racist”

    Placebo’s Brian Molko Sued for Calling Italian Prime Minister “Fascist, Racist”

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    Placebo’s Brian Molko has been sued by Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni after seemingly calling her a “piece of shit, fascist, racist” during Sonic Park festival last month, the BBC reports, citing Italian media. Prosecutors in Turin took up the investigation last month, suspecting Molko of insulting state institutions; in Italy, defaming the government, parliament, courts, or army can draw a fine of up to to €5,000 (about $5,517). Meloni has not publicly commented on Molko’s remarks or the lawsuit. 

    Meloni leads the nationalist Brothers of Italy party, as well as a hard-right coalition voted into power last September. The government has since vilified migrants and asylum seekers, ordered municipalities to stop registering same-sex parents, and appointed Brothers of Italy loyalists to top positions in the public broadcaster, as a recent New York Times op-ed notes.

    Pitchfork has reached out to Placebo’s representatives for additional information and comment.

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    Jazz Monroe

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  • The Art Thief Who Fell in Love With His Biggest Score | Entrepreneur

    The Art Thief Who Fell in Love With His Biggest Score | Entrepreneur

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    Adam Worth was the Victorian Era’s most infamous thief. He was so sneaky, so devious and so damn good at his job that he became author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s inspiration for Dr. Moriarity, arch-nemesis of Sherlock Holmes.

    Worth’s exploits earned him the nickname “The Napoleon of Crime,” a nod to his ceaseless drive to steal anything that wasn’t nailed to the floor. (And even if it was, he’d steal it anyway.) Worth and an array of ne’er-do-wells were as innovative as they were crooked, tunneling their way into bank vaults from adjacent building basements, setting up shape-shifting illegal gambling dens and slipping into new countries and identities when things got too hot.

    Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

    Worth was pursued across multiple continents by the Pinkerton detective agency (which would one day become the Secret Service) and he cemented his status as one of the greatest thieves in history when he stole the incredibly famous portrait of Georgiana Cavendish, The Duchess of Devonshire, right off the wall of a London gallery.

    Worth held onto the pilfered portrait for years, chauffeuring it around the world in the false bottom of a luggage trunk. Some say he was waiting for the right moment to sell it, others believe he fell in love with the Duchess’s beguiling image and didn’t want to let go.

    So what became of the art thief and his prized score? Listen to the episode (embedded above) and please leave our little show a big fat five-star rating and a review. Your comments might be featured in a future episode.

    Thanks as always for listening!

    About Dirty Money

    Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

    Related: The Fake Heiress Who Scammed One of the Richest Men in America

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    Dan Bova

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  • Can Mushrooms Save the World? Tune into This Episode of ‘Elevator Pitch’ to Find Out. | Entrepreneur

    Can Mushrooms Save the World? Tune into This Episode of ‘Elevator Pitch’ to Find Out. | Entrepreneur

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    As an entrepreneur, if you ever encounter the wonderful problem of having multiple investors showing interest in your startup, but you can only choose one, what would you do? That’s the dilemma a pair of co-founders face on this fast-paced episode of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. While the financial investment is at the core of what they’re after, the founders wind up evaluating the investors based on the mentoring opportunities that they bring to the table.

    Is your vision to get your product into big box stores? Or do you want to be an e-commerce powerhouse? Are you expanding internationally? Capitalizing on an increasingly popular podcast? Just as our founders on this episode eventually decide, sometimes it’s best to pick an investor who has the contacts and experience that compliment your vision.

    Related: Is It a One-Hit Wonder or Can This Mom’s Business Scale?

    Also on this episode of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch, our investors get critical about one contestant’s pitch and gauge the business acumen of the founder of a new agri-tech startup.

    Episode 7 Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch board of investors:

    • Marc Randolph, co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, master of scaling
    • Kim Perell, CEO of 100.co, serial entrepreneur and investor
    • Jonathan Hung, angel investor and Managing Partner of Entrepreneur Venture Fund

    Episode 7 Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch contestants:

    Season 9 of Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch is presented by Amazon Business with support from State Farm. New episodes stream Wednesdays on entrepreneur.com. Follow Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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    Entrepreneur Staff

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