Camille Vasquez and her law firm reportedly aren’t representing Kanye West anymore after he filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against him in a New York federal court. According to a report from TMZ Sports, lawyers for the artist obtained an order barring the “good Samaritan” from appearing in court as he tries to fight for his own rights in the case.
According to TMZ, the order was signed by US Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, who oversees the court where the case is being heard. It was issued in a “voluntary dismissal” of the suit, which was filed by West, through his lawyers. Corley said: “In the interest of judicial economy, this order is intended to dismiss all claims.”
The order notes that the lawsuit is “voluntarily dismissed without prejudice.” It also gives West a six-month window to take the case to court if he chooses to. TMZ reports that the singer’s lawyers plan to ask for such a dismissal and re-file their case.
It’s expected that West will try to use the case to protect himself against being sued by the former model, whose public comments were a major part of the lawsuit.
According to TMZ, the case is about the “injurious” impact of the former model’s public comments about West on “millions” of people by using a hashtag. She accused the rapper of “sexually abusing” her.
In 2013, West, who is married to reality TV star Kim Kardashian, was hit with a similar $75 million defamation lawsuit by another woman, La La Anthony, who made the allegation on social media. In addition to her $10 million legal fees, Anthony says she has to pay $5 million in legal expenses, which she is currently looking to recoup.
UPDATE: Kanye West’s representative has released a statement confirming that he has reached a settlement with the plaintiff and is not going to pursue the matter.