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American Rap superstar Rick Ross has ducked court papers for six months in a blockbuster lawsuit against him by British-Nigerian concert promoter Christian Ezechie.
Ezechie, according to The New York Post, is complaining to a US federal judge that his company, Executive Decision, has been on a wild goose chase to track down Ross after it booked him and other acts on Ross’ popular Maybach Music label to play a 2012 concert at London’s Wembley Arena, but Ross and his crew allegedly pocketed nearly $200,000, then bailed on the gig.
The suit was filed in New York federal court in October, but Ezechie now claims that “despite numerous and diligent attempts . . . we have been unable to locate the defendants,” including Ross, Meek Mill, Wale and Omarion.
During the promoter’s attempts to find Ross, a registered address for Rick Ross Touring in Miami turned out to be “a UPS store,” lawyers for Ezechie claim. A process server sent to Ross’ Miami home this week was told by a man inside, “I don’t know,” when asked how to reach him. And at Ross’ gigs, “process servers are hesitant to serve him while he is surrounded by security guards,” papers claim. Ironically, Ross is a former Florida correctional officer.
“It’s blatant robbery he’s doing, and he’s an artist worth $50 million,” exclaims Ezechie, who alleges he advanced Ross $100,000, plus about the same amount for the other Maybach acts.
He added he’s promoted gigs for Usher, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, but that “the Rick Ross Maybach Music tour was the biggest we have carried out.” Ezechie’s lawyer, Robert Hantman, said of Ross, “We are prepared to track him to the ends of the earth.”
He may not have to: A judge this week ruled that if Ross and his associates can’t be located before a June 4 hearing, Hantman can file a motion for “alternative service,” such as posting a notice in a newspaper. Reps for Ross and Maybach Music Group didn’t return requests for comment. We didn’t try the UPS store.
•Photo shows Rick Ross.