Patti LaBelle Says Cadet Called Her The N-Word Before Beating

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» by June 29, 2011, 11:47am

LaBelle Files Countersuit, Claims Racism

Patti LaBelle has filed a countersuit against the man who claims the R&B diva ordered her bodyguards to pounce on him, claiming he spewed racial slurs at her entourage before provoking the altercation.

LaBelle was sued earlier this month by West Point cadet Richard King who claims he was waiting for a ride outside of Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston when he was attacked by three of LaBelle's bodyguards, unprovoked.

According to the suit the beating resulted in a concussion, lingering dizziness and headaches for the 23-year-old cadet.

Surveillance video from the airport does show King being pushed around and punched by members of LaBelle's security detail, but LaBelle's countersuit filed earlier this week, claims King initiated the altercation.

The R&B singer's counter suit clams King was wandering outside of the terminal intoxicated and yelling obscenities. She claims King attempted to into her limousine and was politely asked to step away when he flipped on her.

“King directed profane and racial slurs towards LaBelle. When LaBelle's son (Zuri Edwards) heard the profanity and racial epithets, he informed King that the woman in the limousine was his mother,” the suit said.

“Without warning or provocation, King violently and deliberately punched Edwards in the face.”

 

King admits to having a few drinks on the flight, but denies that he was drunk.

Surveillance video shows talking on a cell phone when one of Labelle's bodyguards seems to push against him. King then appears to push back.

“Several eyewitnesses saw and clearly heard the incident. The counter-claim is completely without merit,” said Kings attorney, John Raley in a statement.

 

Both parties are seeking unspecified damages.

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Comment Comments 0 Tags Tags: , , , ,
  • Kocoalte

    I'll take Patti's side of the story. Most people through the years have spoke always highly of her. This was probably some Wierdo that go out of line and get his butt whipped for it!!

  • christine

    I agree that Patti has always been nothing but nice to all people that have been around or surrounded around her whenever I was in her presence. I believe that King did start cause it clearly shows him talking and walking pretty damn close to where her limo was parked before that so called beating took place too bad it had to happen but be real this happened in Texas one of the main states of racism. I'm sure due to the fact this young man has a famous grandfather that he figures he can get away with treating people of color or not any way he wants. Patti LaBelle has always been the sweetest person in the music industry that wil show nothing but love to all that come in contact with her and its not for show I'm a true witness to that!! The best of luck to you Patti my prayers are with you always

  • Sherlock the Warlock

    That should teach him to mess with people bigger than him. he got whupped. He should learn his lesson & move on!

  • Rob

    You three comments above are unbelievable! Evidence is right before your very eyes and you throw it out. By the way there is no sound on the original video so "hearing" is moot.

    Speaking of racism.. Look in the mirror.

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