JAY-Z is set to appear in a New York City courtroom for his upcoming trial against fragrance brand Parlux, but ahead of the start date, he decided to hire an ex-cop to look into the company’s former CEO.
According to Rolling Stone, Donald Loftus sued Hov for breach of contract in 2016 but has requested to testify virtually, citing his health problems and fear of contracting COVID-19. Photos captured by the former cop/hired spy, however, show that the former CEO’s reckless actions conflict with his alleged health concerns. The images, included in a recently-filed affidavit, sees Loftus on MTA buses, a parade, in the grocery store and “frequently” dining at local restaurants, sometimes without a mask.
“Despite Mr. Loftus and plaintiffs’ counsel’s misrepresentations otherwise, the pandemic has not proven exceptional for Mr. Loftus, who is living his life as if it is 2019,” JAY-Z’s lead lawyer Alex Spiro wrote. “COVID-19 has not stopped Mr. Loftus from participating in any activities similar to or more risky than attending an in-person trial around other socially-distanced, masked individuals.”
The forthcoming trial comes nearly five years after Parlux accused Hov of violating his contract with the perfume company. Per the legal documents, Loftus claimed that the Brooklyn emcee didn’t return a prototype champagne bottle valued over $20,000 and failed to promote the perfume amid scheduled appearances at Macy’s and “Good Morning America,” causing the brand, which “started out successfully,” to lose $18 million.
“In the fragrance industry, it is virtually impossible to sustain the success of a celebrity fragrance brand,” the lawsuit said, noting “promotional support from the celebrity in the form of public appearances” and “regularly updating and refreshing the brand with ‘flanker’ launches and new line extensions” are essential to their progression. Hov countersued Parlux, alleging that the fragrance company still owes him $2.7 million. He is expected to be called as a witness to the stand, but it is not clear whether he will actually testify.