Knight Loses Death Row Suit

Suge Knight must pay $107 million to a woman who says she helped him start Death Row Records, a judge ruled in March.

According to Lydia Harris’ lawsuit, she was an equal founding partner of the company with Knight in 1989 but he forced her out and attempted to ruin her credibility when he realized the label’s potential.

“His conduct made it clear that he did not intend to honor his agreement or pay the shares of profit due her,” Harris’ attorney, David Casselman, said. “He also publicly insulted her and falsely accused her of promiscuity and incompetence.”

Knight denied the allegations but the lawsuit never reached trial because he and his attorneys failed to answer questions and provide information to opposing counsel during discovery.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Ronald Sohigian ordered Knight and his companies, Death Row Records and Tha Row Inc., to pay Harris $45 million in economic damages, $2 million in noneconomic damages and $60 million in punitive damages.