A man who police said was hit on the head by rap star Juvenile has filed a $5 million lawsuit against him, his attorney said.
Jackson Saintagne of Miami filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court seeking damages for pain and suffering. His attorney, Andrew Boros, said his client has been hospitalized several times since the fight with the 26-year-old Juvenile, whose real name is Terius Gray.
In March, the rapper was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a bottle, battery on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence, police said.
Morton Fry, the rapper’s attorney, said Monday his client was innocent of the charges.
The incident occurred outside the Improv Comedy Club in Miami’s trendy Coconut Grove section as audience members were leaving, police said. Four fights broke out, including the one in which the New Orleans rap artist hit Saintagne with a bottle of Moet champagne, police said.
The 28-year-old fell unconscious and was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was treated and released, police said. Witnesses told police Saintagne had approached Juvenile during the show and was disrespectful.
The lawsuit, which was filed last week, denies Saintagne provoked the beating.
Juvenile, who also grabbed an officer by the shirt and shouted profanities, was arrested inside a tour bus, and release on $17,000 bond, police said.
The rapper won the Billboard award for Album of the Year for his 1998 album “400 Degreez.” His hits include “Ha” and “Back That Thang Up.”
