*Mass Appeal, the hip-hop label tied to rap icon Nas, has resolved a 2023 racial discrimination lawsuit brought by former executive Melissa Cooper, according to Billboard.
The settlement, finalized on June 13, dismisses the case, though details of the agreement remain undisclosed. Cooper, who served as Head of Development from April 2021 to June 2023, had accused the label, its CEO Peter Bittenbender, and former Senior Vice President Jenya Meggs of racial harassment and discriminatory practices.
Cooper, a white woman hired initially as a consultant, claimed she faced targeted racial hostility aimed at damaging her reputation. The lawsuit highlighted alleged messages from Meggs, who is Black, sent to other employees.
“Meggs and her cohorts made venomous and racist comments about ‘White folk’ and ‘crackers,’ and bragged that they caused Cooper to shed ‘White tears,’” the suit stated. Cooper alleged these messages, reportedly shared with her by Meggs’ ex-partner Michael Harris, revealed a plot to secure her termination.
The lawsuit further claimed that Cooper’s firing in June 2023 was unjust, with Bittenbender citing insufficient company sales and industry challenges as reasons. Notably, “no other individual of similar experience or rank at Mass Appeal was terminated,” per the suit. When Cooper raised concerns about Meggs’ alleged discrimination to Bittenbender, he reportedly dismissed them, stating, “I am sorry you had to read this but this isn’t illegal.”
Scroll to continue reading
The suit noted that no investigation followed Cooper’s complaints. Mass Appeal, Bittenbender, and Meggs were all named as defendants.
While the legal dispute has concluded, Mass Appeal continues to make waves in music, with Nas overseeing the release of seven projects, including Slick Rick’s VICTORY, his first album in 25 years, dropped on June 13. The settlement closes a contentious chapter for the label as it focuses on new creative endeavors.
MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: White Woman is Suing Nas’ Record Label for Discrimination
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
