Nicki Minaj sued for $30m over wigs
Nicki Minaj is well known for her flamboyant hairpieces
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former hair stylist for Nicki Minaj is suing the star for $30m (£18m),
accusing her of selling wigs based on his designs without permission.
Terrence Davidson began working for the rapper in 2010,
creating multiple wigs for high-profile events and her Super Bass music
video.
Mr Davidson claims he had previously discussed a joint business venture with Minaj to launch a line of wigs.
Representatives for Minaj have yet to comment on the legal action.
Mr Davidson says the star is now copying his wig designs and selling them online.
According to legal papers filed in Atlanta, the hair stylist
says he also turned down a contract for a reality TV show on the advice
of one of Minaj's representatives, with the promise of creating his own
reality show with the star about being a celebrity wig stylist.
But after months passed in 2012, he claims the rapper and her
team "took active steps to isolate [him] and preclude him from the
notoriety he deserved for his wig designs".
Mr Davidson - whose celebrity clients also include singers
Patti LaBelle and Jennifer Hudson - stopped working as Minaj's stylist
in early 2013, citing creative differences.
Christopher Chestnut, a lawyer for the hair stylist, said his
client's wigs "significantly contributed" to Minaj's notoriety and
helped her rise to fame.
He said the star "took a number of his popular wig designs,
without his consent, and used them to start her own wig line", resulting
in at least $30m in losses.
"Her lawyers may complicate it, but we don't need to get into
intellectual-property law. "This is basic American morality. Nicki
Minaj lied to this man and cheated him," he said.