A US$6 million lawsuit linked to the promotion of U.S. concerts by dancehall star Vybz Kartel and his O-1B visa has been dismissed with prejudice by Brendan Lantry of the New York Supreme Court, delivering a major legal victory for the Jamaican artist and his attorneys.
Kartel was represented by The Townsend Law Firm, led by attorney Kadian Townsend, who secured the court order dismissing the case. A dismissal with prejudice means the claims cannot be filed again in the same court.
Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Townsend said the ruling carried both personal and professional significance.
“This win means a lot both personally and professionally. Personally, it is a reminder of God’s presence and his goodness. At the age of five, He placed a desire in my heart to become a lawyer and He has been guiding me ever since,” she said. “I pray about every case that I touch and he is the one who gives me strategies and walks with me into every boardroom and courtroom.”
Townsend added that her client was pleased with the outcome.
“As you can imagine, the deejay is very pleased with the ruling, as it intercepted any serious ripple effects that could have had implications both financially and professionally, and could have impacted business relationships and performing rights. Winning this case is a huge relief and now he can put it behind him and just focus on continuing to thrive in his career,” she said.
The lawsuit was filed in July 2025 in Kings County by Karen Soltau-Mutebi and The Conglomerate Group Inc., an entertainment promotion company that had promoted Kartel’s concerts at Amerant Bank Arena and Boardwalk Hall.
The plaintiffs alleged that promoter Cassandra Johnson, associated with Epic League Events and Reggae Fest, interfered with their business relationships related to Kartel’s U.S. performances. The lawsuit sought damages and injunctive relief, citing claims of tortious interference with business relationships, defamation, unjust enrichment and misappropriation of business opportunities.
At one point, the legal dispute threatened Kartel’s landmark concert run in the United States, raising the possibility that performances could be halted or revenues frozen. The disagreement centred on who held the rights to promote Kartel’s U.S. concerts after an O-1B visa petition was filed to allow the internationally recognized Jamaican entertainer to perform in the country.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs said they coordinated the legal and logistical process to secure the visa and negotiated several performances, including two concerts at Barclays Center in April 2025. They acknowledged Johnson helped promote those shows with their consent but alleged the dispute escalated when she began promoting additional performances independently without authorization or sharing proceeds.
Despite those allegations, the case did not proceed to trial. With the court’s ruling, the claims have been dismissed and the plaintiffs are barred from refiling the case in the same court.
