sneakers, Nicki minaj — Born Onika Maraj, the Trinidadian-born, Nicki Minaj made her entrance into the world in 1982. She achieved prominence with the 2010 release of her debut album Pink Friday, which was commercially successful. In 2013, she became a female rapper with the most Billboard Hot 100 entries with 44 songs charting. Being an album seller, a touring artist, an endorser, and an entrepreneur, contributed to her estimated net worth of $150 million: (Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2025

Arrest Warrant For Nicki Minaj Denied By Detroit Prosecutors

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office sent the request back to the department citing 'insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.'

A request by Detroit police officers to arrest recording artist Nicki Minaj after a former manager accused her of assaulting him in 2024 has been denied.

According to WXYZ, Brandon Garrett, 40, claimed Minaj assaulted him at Little Caesars Arena on April 21, 2024 around 2:30 p.m. The Detroit Police Department asked to get an arrest warrant for the artist. However, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office sent the request back to the department, citing that it was “denied for insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.”

TMZ initially reported that Garrett’s attorney, Thomas Feher, filed the lawsuit after Minaj allegedly struck his client in the face so hard that his hat flew off. The former day-to-day manager said the rapper sent him to do an errand after her April 2024 concert. When he returned, he was called to her dressing room.

He claimed Minaj was with other employees of hers and got upset after learning that Garrett allowed someone else to pick up her prescriptions, throwing her into a raging fit when she discovered it.

The lawsuit states that she yelled at him: “Are you f**king crazy having him pick up my prescription? You have lost your f**king mind, and if my husband were here, he would knock out your f**king teeth. You’re a dead man walking. You just f**ked up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”

That’s when she allegedly hit him.

Garrett claims she also struck him on his right wrist, knocking some documents from his hand to the floor before tell him to “get the f**k out.”

Garrett said he retrieved his hat, left the room, and locked himself for hours inside a restroom at the venue, fearing for his safety.

He’s suing Nicki for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

“At this time, no complaint has been served upon Mrs. Petty (Nicki’s married name), and therefore, we are unaware of the specific allegations. However, if the lawsuit is as reported by TMZ, it is completely false and frivolous,” Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, said. “We are confident that the matter brought by this ex-assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”

Coco Gauff, docu- shorts, executive producing — (Photo: Robert Prange/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

Women’s 3×3 Basketball League Unrivaled Lands Coco Gauff As Investor

The league plans to start later this month.

Unrivaled, the three-on-three women’s basketball league, has gained a new investor—tennis player Coco Gauff.

The league announced the U.S. Open champion’s investment on Jan. 6.

A champion on the court, a visionary off it. Welcome @CocoGauff to the @Unrivaledwbb family as an investor—together, we’re taking basketball to the next level! 🚀🏀 pic.twitter.com/aROAe6oDJk
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) January 6, 2025

“A champion on the court, a visionary off it,” wrote the company on X. ” Welcome @CocoGauff to the @Unrivaledwbb family as an investor—together, we’re taking basketball to the next level!”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Unrivaled as an investor,” Gauff, 20, said in a statement. “Basketball is one of my favorite sports, and the chance to support a league that’s redefining the game is exciting. I look forward to being part of this movement and continuing to help elevate women’s sports to new heights.

Founded by WNBA players Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the league intends to provide an off-season source of income for women basketball players. Collier emphasized that these athletes’ pay should match their talent.

“The principle of our league is that it’s the top talent, and women need to be paid accordingly,” Collier told Yahoo Sports. “We need to be treated as professionals, and so that was a huge thing, is making sure that this is transformative, and something that’s new is we’re going to be paying players what they should be paid.”

The league will host six teams of five players each, with games taking place in Miami. High-profile players such as Angel Reese, Arike Ogunbowale, and Flau’jae Johnson are expect to play.

Since its inception, Unrivaled has raised significant capital from other celebrity and athlete investors. In December, it also raised $28 million in Series A funding, supported by the likes of NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, famed South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, and legendary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

Other celebrities, such as NBA star Carmelo Anthony and Kutcher and Mila Kunis, have poured in another $7 million.

Unrivaled’s inaugural games begin Jan. 17. A one-on-one tournament is also on the mid-season schedule.

Don King,fraud, lawsuit — Fjohnsonphoto, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2025

Boxing Promoter Don King Hit With $3B Fraud and Defamation Suit Over Potential ‘Rumble In The Jungle 2’

Let's hope this can be rectified.....

Legendary boxing promoter Don King is preparing for a fight worth $3 billion after being hit with a lawsuit for allegedly bailing on plans for a matchup called Rumble in the Jungle 2, Fortune reported.

A complaint filed by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleges fraud, defamation, breach of contract, and more from BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, against King and his Florida-based company, Don King Productions. Miller claims King encouraged him to showcase a 50th anniversary in Africa for the iconic matchup that took place in 1974 between then-underdog boxer Muhammad Ali and undefeated heavyweight champion George Foreman.

Paying homage to the match that brought King to stardom, Miller proceeded despite never signing a formal agreement. He set the groundwork for the matchup, including a series of star-studded matches in Nigeria, and scheduled a number of events with appearances and performances from John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Wyclef Jean. When the CEO asked King to help promote the events, King allegedly bailed and forewent the matchups before anything was finalized.

Since the fight between Ali and Foreman garnered $100 million, equivalent to $600 million today, Miller is seeking damages in that amount, in addition to $2.4 billion in prospective damages and a formal written apology.

King pushed back against some claims in an Instagram post of a cease-and-desist letter accusing Miller of falsely representing authorization from King to stage a Rumble in the Jungle 50th anniversary event to government officials. Miller’s attorney, Anthony J.M. Jones, called the lawsuit a “sad day for the sport” after claiming King derailed his client’s event in the end. “It’s confounding when you look at how many people were working on this. This is just a sad day for the sport,” Jones said.

“We are now in 2025, and there will never be a chance to do a 50th anniversary of a fight between Foreman and Ali—and to do it in Africa.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Don King (@donking_official)

A letter identical to the one posted on social media was included in the suit.

According to AOL, King and Miller were very cordial prior to the lawsuit. During friendlier times, King allegedly confided in Miller, referred to as a “preacher’s son,” feeling that cozying up with Miller could clean up his image. King allegedly confided in the CEO, telling him about past controversies being behind him and embracing religion following his wife’s death in 2010. The complaint also listed that King once gifted Miller a rare coin and even spoke with Miller’s father and daughter. The two also worked together on another fight deal on behalf of now-late boxer Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler and Don King Productions that took place on Aug. 28, 2021, against late boxer Brandon Spencer while still working on the potential Rumble in the Jungle 2 deal.

In 2022, Miller allegedly followed up with the then 92-year-old about the event and even sent a proposal to formalize the agreement, but allegedly never received a written response. However, King allegedly continued to verbally communicate with Miller about planning efforts. The suit also claims Miller brought in bankers from Africa and the U.S. — with King’s knowledge — and even agreed to post a video on social media to confirm the pair were working together.

In July 2024, when King allegedly failed to appear on a Zoom call to promote the event, Miller learned that the promoter did not own the rights to Rumble in the Jungle but continued to push the event, even pursuing licensing and another title.

Drake,, CHEATING,, STREAMS,, SPOTIFY, RBX, DEATH ROW RECORDS, — (Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 7, 2025

Yes, Really: Drake Emerges As 2024’s Best-Selling Rapper

The Canadian artist sold over eight million total album units in 2024.

In the land of public opinion, Drake lost resoundingly to Kendrick Lamar in their now-legendary hip-hop beef. But in an industry where numbers reign supreme, Drake sold the most album units in the United States.

According to Chart Data, the “6” God sold over 8 million total album units in 2024.

.@Drake was the best selling rapper by total album units in the US in 2024 with over 8 million sold. pic.twitter.com/5V6soQS10e

— chart data (@chartdata) January 5, 2025

Drake, however, still can’t get out of his own way.

According to HipHopDX, music producer Conductor Williams dropped a new freestyle by the Canadian rapper on his social media page before taking it down later. The track, “Fighting Irish Freestyle,” is the name of LeBron James’ now-fabled high school team at St. Vincent–St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, James’s hometown.

It’s been widely reported that Drake has placed James and another former friend, All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who once played for Drake’s favorite NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, on his “ops” list after both basketball players attended a Kendrick concert last year.

Drake seemingly alluded to his close friendship to James, even though he never mentions the hoop legend’s name in the track.

“‘Member we tradin’ watches? I gave you that Arabic dial, you gave me a numbered edition. You would even check up on my son like a pediatrician, sure convinced the gang this sh** was rooted in love when it isn’t, show me how different we are, there’s blessings in juxtaposition, I guess now you boys gotta abandon your summer tradition.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CINDY 🇦🇱 (@cindyyjo)

The track has hip-hop fans guessing that Drake will not let the beef go away anytime soon.

Wig shop, wigs, Beauty Supply institute, Devin Robinson, Georgia, Maryland — (Photo: iStock)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

Atlanta Beauty Supply Company Fights Lawsuits Amid Accusations Of Scamming From Scorned Customers

Beauty Supply Institute was ordered by Maryland to stop taking clients in the state.

An Atlanta-based beauty supply company accused of scamming clients with the promise of helping them launch a store is fighting back against lawsuits.

Beauty Supply Institute (BSI) has faced accusations from dozens of customers who claim the company left them penniless in their pursuit of entrepreneurship. Customers paid the Institute to help launch beauty supply businesses, signing lease agreements to secure a store location and acquire products.

However, many say they never received the necessary items to officially open. The issue has resulted in financial chaos—including bankruptcies and home foreclosures—for many who paid tens of thousands to BSI.

One woman, Kenitha Ferguson, is still fighting for the Institute to take accountability for loss.

“They [were] in full control of everything as far as shipments, inventory, setting up your vendor account, the whole nine,” Ferguson told 11Alive.

Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General confirmed it is investigating the matter.

Ferguson soon discovered others had experienced the same lackluster help from the Institute. BSI had promised guidance and mentorship to the aspiring business owner. It initially claimed that vendor and scheduling issues led to shipment delays.

“I actually was Googling, you know, BSI scams, and it popped up from Atlanta,” continued Ferguson. “I clicked on your story, and I was like, ‘wow, that’s me.’”

BSI founder Devin Robinson said the company has not engaged in fraudulent activity and has threatened legal action against those who proclaim otherwise.

He ahas filed a motion to have Ferguson’s lawsuit against the company dismissed. In the meantime, BSI has seemingly shut down operations, with its Metro Atlanta office closed and phone lines temporarily disconnected. The state of Maryland had previously ordered the company to stop taking clients this year.

Georgia courts must now decide if there was a breach of contract between BSI and angry customers like Ferguson.

project 2025 — Photo by SeventyFour/Getty Images, small image (c)

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 7, 2025

McDonald’s Is The Latest Corporation To Dial Back DEI Initiatives After Advocating Diversity

Which company will be next?

Fast-food giant McDonald’s is the newest company to announce moves that end some of their diversity practices, The Associated Press reported.

In a statement released on Jan. 6, Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said the company is changing the “shifting legal landscape” following a 2023 controversial ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that ruled against affirmative action. McDonald’s plans to retire targeted goals that achieve diversity at senior leadership levels. The team also intends to terminate a program that encourages suppliers to develop diversity training and increase the number of minority members represented in their leadership ranks.

Other changes include a pause in their “external surveys,” similar to other companies that are pushing back, including Lowe’s and Ford Motor Co. who suspended their participation in an annual survey by the Human Rights Campaign and a name change from McDonald’s diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team. According to CNN, the company said “this name change is more fitting for McDonald’s in light of our inclusion value and better aligns with this team’s work.”

A number of corporations terminated their diversity, equity and inclusion measures, including Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply, Walmart and more. However, McDonald’s was once looked at as a model of upkeep policies after a slew of racial discrimination lawsuits from a group of former Black franchise owners in 2021 prompted a rise in diversity initiatives.

“As a world-leading brand that considers inclusion one of our core values, we will accept nothing less than real, measurable progress in our efforts to lead with empathy, treat people with dignity and respect, and seek out diverse points of view to drive better decision-making,” Kempczinski wrote in a LinkedIn post at the time.

But policies and pressures from the incoming Trump-Vance administration may be the reason behind the sudden change.

Some incoming cabinet members and elected officials have introduced policies that would threaten companies revenue and business practices if they keep DEI in place. Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of policy, leads America First Legal, a group that has threatened to go after corporate DEI policies. During the summer of 2024, Vice President-elect JD Vance introduced a bill that will end DEI programs within the federal government realm.

But according to some diversity experts, the DEI changes aren’t going to have as much effect as people think. J. Danielle Carr, chief officer of inclusion at Lowenstein Sandler and president of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals, says DEI isn’t being eliminated but more so just changing. “DEI isn’t going away. It’s just changing,” she said. With advanced research, her organization found that only 14 of the Fortune 500 companies made public changes to their DEI teams or programs in 2024.

Despite recent changes, McDonald’s celebrated the growth in leadership, supplier, and franchisee diversity in 2024 thanks to such previous diversity commitments. Thirty percent of the company’s U.S. employees were from underrepresented groups, while 78% gave McDonald’s a “positive” score during the employee pulse survey.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 7, 2025

These Black Celebs Are Now Ghanaian Citizens As Ghana’s ‘Year Of Return’ Program Expands

Black Americans have obtained Ghanaian citizenship through its 'Beyond The Return' program.

Black celebrities are returning to ancestral lands in an official way. Many obtained Ghanaian citizenship as the West African country continues its ‘Year Of The Return’ program.

Dr. Umar Johnson, Yandy, and Mendeecees Harris joined 500 others in a Detty December citizenship ceremony. A month prior, Ghana granted the legal status to its largest cohort of people from across the Black Diaspora. According to ABC News, the majority hailed from the United States.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Ghana has encouraged Black people globally to reconnect with the motherland through its “Year Of The Return” program. Its 2019 launch coincided with the 400 year anniversary of when the first enslaved people arrived to America in 1619. Ghana’s Tourism Authority and the Office of Diaspora Affairs oversaw its extension and renamed it “Beyond The Return.”

For many, if not most, the designation represents more than another place to call home. It symbolizes a reclamation of one’s identity once stolen from their ancestors.

“I didn’t need (citizenship) to tell me that I’m African. Anywhere that I go in the world and someone looks at me, I’m melanated,” new Ghanaian citizen Keachia Bowers told ABC News. “But my ancestors who wanted to return and come back home, those ancestors who never made it back, that passport, for me, is for them.”

Moreover, Ghanaian citizenship provides a refuge from the racial discrimination and dangers known too well by Black Americans for hundreds of years, from Jim Crow to contemporary issues like police brutality.

“I first visited Ghana in 2015. From then on, I knew this is a place that I wanted to be and a place where I wanted to show other diasporans, African-Americans, that we have a place where we belong,” said one of the program’s participants, Deijha Gordon

Colonizers used Ghana’s “Gold Coast” to ship off enslaved Africans for what would become American slavery. Over an estimated 1 million people were taken from the area from 1501 to 1866, per Statista.

The country still features memorials that mark this unfortunate history of the slave trade. Ghana continues to foster a pipeline for Black people to reclaim their heritage.

“It just feels good to have a connection to an African country as an African-American, as a Black American,” Gordon added. “Because back in America we don’t have anything to trace our roots to but Africa. To have that connection here, I feel like I’ve done something right.”

Jamie, Foxx, Beverly Hills, birthday party — Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 7, 2025

Jamie Foxx Opens Up About Near-Fatal Medical Emergency: ‘I’m A Five-Percenter’

“If sharing my story helps one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it,” Foxx said.

Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx is shedding new light on the near-fatal medical emergency that nearly claimed his life in 2023. Speaking with Variety’s Senior Culture & Events Editor Marc Malkin at the Golden Globes Red Carpet, Foxx revealed the severity of his condition and the slim odds of survival he overcame.

Foxx shared that a nurse in Atlanta dubbed him “a five-percenter,” referring to the less than 5% of patients who survive his type of severe brain bleeding and stroke. “I’m grateful every single day,” Foxx said, reflecting on the incident that left him hospitalized and fighting for his life.

Foxx’s Harrowing Ordeal

This isn’t the first time Foxx has spoken publicly about the health scare. In his Netflix comedy special, What Had Happened Was, released in December 2023, the actor opened up about the initial 15 days of his hospitalization. Foxx candidly recounted how doctors initially believed he wouldn’t survive. “I was knocking on death’s door,” he said in the special, which blends humor with deeply personal insights.

Foxx explained that the experience gave him a new perspective on life. “When you’re lying in that hospital bed, it’s not about fame or fortune — it’s about fighting to see another day,” he said.

A Resilient Recovery

Despite the dire prognosis, Foxx defied the odds. His journey to recovery included months of intensive care and therapy, during which he credited his family and medical team for their unwavering support. “The people around me — my family, my team — they kept me going,” Foxx said during the Golden Globes interview.

The 2023 health scare was a sobering chapter in Foxx’s life, one that he says has made him even more appreciative of his career and the people who stood by him. “It’s a second chance, and I don’t take that lightly,” he remarked.

Humor as Healing

In What Had Happened Was, Foxx used humor to process and share his experience, weaving his trademark wit into stories of survival. The special, praised for its blend of levity and vulnerability, highlights Foxx’s ability to turn personal challenges into relatable, heartfelt comedy.

Fans and critics alike applauded Foxx’s openness, with many noting how the special offered inspiration and hope to others facing health challenges. “If sharing my story helps one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it,” Foxx said.

A Message of Gratitude

At the Golden Globes, Foxx expressed deep gratitude for the medical professionals who saved his life, particularly the nurse who first dubbed him “a five-percenter.” He also emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups and listening to one’s body.

“Don’t ignore the signs,” Foxx urged. “If something feels off, get it checked out. It could save your life.”

Looking Ahead

Now fully recovered, Foxx is back to doing what he loves — entertaining audiences. His upcoming projects include new music and film roles, showcasing the actor’s determination to live life to the fullest.

For Foxx, his survival is more than just a personal triumph — it’s a reminder of life’s fragility and the resilience of the human spirit. “I’m here, and I’m going to make the most of it,” he said.

Sheryl, Lee, Ralph, HBCUs — Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 7, 2025

Sheryl Lee Ralph Is ‘Deeply Grateful’ To Unveil Her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star This Month

Sherly Lee Ralph is expressing her gratitude ahead of her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.

Sheryl Lee Ralph will close out the first month of the new year with a ceremony to unveil her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

The Emmy Award-winning actress took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday to express her gratitude ahead of her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Jan. 29.

“I am deeply grateful to announce the honor of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!” she tweeted over a promotional ceremony flyer. “What a celebration of love, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family, friends and fans. Thank you! This star shines for us all!”

I am deeply grateful to announce the honor of receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! What a celebration of love, perseverance, and the unwavering support of family, friends and fans. Thank you! This star shines for us all! pic.twitter.com/dd20hs17sX
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) January 5, 2025

Ralph was named to the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024, announced last June, after being selected from hundreds of nominations during a committee meeting on June 16, 2023, and approved by the Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors on June 21, 2023. The veteran actress and original Dreamgirls star joins a prestigious lineup of honorees from film, television, radio, theater, and sports entertainment, each set to receive a star on the iconic Walk of Fame.

“The Selection Committee which is made up of fellow Walk of Famers, carefully hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world,” said Chair and Walk of Famer Ellen K.

“The Committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can’t wait to see each honoree’s reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood’s history with the unveiling of their star on the world’s most famous walkway!” Ellen K added.

Honorees in the Motion Picture category include Chadwick Boseman (posthumous), Kevin Feige, Gal Gadot, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Meledandri, Chris Pine, Christina Ricci, and Michelle Yeoh. Joining Ralph in the television category are Ken Jeong, Eugene Levy, Mario Lopez, Jim Nantz, Michael Schur, Kerry Washington, Raúl De Molina, and Lili Estefan, co-hosts of the television show “El Gordo y La Flaca.”

Recording artists who will receive their Walk of Fame Star this year include Toni Braxton, Brandy Norwood, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, Glen Ballard, Def Leppard, Charles Fox, Sammy Hagar, Darius Rucker, and Gwen Stefani. Otis Redding will receive a star posthumously within the theater and live performance category, and famed radio personality Angie Martinez is the sole honoree in the radio category. Billie Jean King and Carl Weathers (posthumous) will receive stars within the Sports Entertainment category.

It’s a long time coming for Ralph, who has received praise for her starring role on Quinta Brunson’s scripted comedy series Abott Elementary. In the last two years, Ralph has won a Primetime Emmy, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics Choice Award for her comical portrayal of Barbara Howard on the series.

With a career spanning over 100 acting credits since 1977, Ralph is best known for her standout performances in the original Dreamgirls play, the film Sister Act 2, and the 1990s sitcom Moesha.

movers,extort,Florida — Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-person-couple-hands-7464708/

by Kandiss Edwards

January 7, 2025

Florida Mover Found Guilty Of Inflating Prices And Extorting Customers

Shawn Thompson was found guilty in civil court for a "mover extortion" scheme.

A Florida moving company owner, Shawn Thompson, was accused of stealing from customers. An Orange County court found him guilty and imposed hefty fines, The Miami Herald reported.

On Dec. 4, former customer Scott Meyer was awarded $13,000 in basic damages, $39,000 in punitive damages, and $430 in court costs. Meyer alleged that Thompson gave an initial quote to move his belongings from Orlando to Oviedo on July 11, 2023. The distance totaled 19 miles and was priced at $669.50. However, when Renee Carter, an employee of Thompson’s, arrived at the new location, the price, according to Meyer, was more than doubled to $1,801.

The mover refused to release Meyer’s property unless the inflated price was paid. The scheme resembled extortion, and the courts agreed.

A second filing by previous customers in Miami-Dade Circuit Court was ruled on by Judge Michael Barket. Barket ruled against Thompson and condemned the deceptive tactics used by the mover, calling them “unfair” and “fraudulent.”

Although Barket stated that Thompson’s testimony contributed to the judgment, The Miami Herald noted that there is no record of Thompson responding to any lawsuit filed in Orange County Court.

When the outlet reached out to Thompson for comment, he accused the media of spreading lies and violating his civil rights.

“This is your final warning,” Thompson wrote. “I am not like all these bull—- stories you write just to try to get a name for yourself without facts. These people you write false stories about are reaching out to me to file a suit against you for lies. All your stories have no merit or truth. Write one more lie about me and I’ll see you in court.”

Many of Thompson’s customers believe the claims are valid and have their own grievances. Several of them have reached out to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

“We’ve received 98 complaints since the beginning of 2022 against Thompson Nation Holdings LLC. We have referred a case to our Investigative Section for review based on the complaints we’ve received,” said W. Alan Parkinson, chief of mediation and enforcement.

Thompson is liable for thousands of dollars and appears to be evading responsibility. After conducting the “extortion” scheme against Nicollette Gonzalez, she refused to pay the inflated bill. The move from Miami to Gainesville was inflated by $3,243. In the final court judgment, Gonzalez was awarded $7,619 plus attorney’s fees.

The final judgment also states that any repeat of fraudulent behavior will be considered contempt of court. This applies to all of Thompson’s companies: Thompson Nation Holdings, Small Move Movers, Fresh Start Moving & Storage, and One Man, One Van.