Maverick City music
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 9, 2025

Chandler Moore Sues Former Manager And Officially Quits Maverick City Music

Chandler Moore has quit Maverick City Music and sued his former manager over alleged fraud.

Big changes are coming to the Grammy-winning gospel group Maverick City Music, after two members quit, with one suing the group’s CEO over alleged fraud.

On Oct. 6, Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine announced their departures from Maverick City Music, sharing plans for new chapters in their music careers.

“These last two years I’ve been locked in on what really matters… in my life and in my career,” Moore wrote on Instagram. “It’s been scary at times, but it’s also been full of fresh vision and real excitement about the future. With that, I’ve made the bittersweet decision to end my relationship with Maverick City Music.”

“The dream hasn’t changed,” he added. “I’m stepping into this next phase ready to share my story and make music that helps people feel a little more human, a little more understood, and a little less alone.”

However, shortly after the announcements, it was revealed that Moore filed a lawsuit against his former manager and Maverick City Music CEO, Norman Gyamfi, accusing him of defrauding him out of millions in royalties and business deals, Relevant Magazine reported.

According to the lawsuit, Moore, a key founding member of Maverick City Music, alleges that Gyamfi’s misconduct cost him “millions of dollars in royalties and other monies.” The suit claims Gyamfi “exploited his fiduciary relationship” with Moore and used “alter ego entities” — including TRIBL Publishing, TRIBL Records, and Maverick City Music — to enrich himself at Moore’s expense.

Gyamfi is also accused of forging Moore’s signature on contracts, diverting owed funds, and transferring ownership of Moore’s songs without consent. The lawsuit levels multiple allegations against Gyamfi over his growing ownership stake in Maverick City Music after initially starting as Moore’s manager.

Moore claims Gyamfi managed him from 2020 to 2023, during which he quietly acquired a stake in the group without Moore’s knowledge and allegedly “secretly transferred” Moore’s ownership and copyright interests in his music to the collective. In 2021, Gyamfi is said to have brokered a deal selling Moore’s master recordings to Orchard Enterprises, a Sony Music subsidiary, without Moore’s consent.

After ending his role as Moore’s manager, Gyamfi became CEO of Maverick City Music. Moore alleges Gyamfi then instructed Essential Music Publishing (Sony’s Christian music division) to redirect publishing revenue from Moore’s work to TRIBL and Maverick City instead of Moore himself. When Essential requested documentation, Gyamfi allegedly produced a forged agreement assigning 50% of Moore’s rights to Maverick City Music and granting the company “irrevocable power of attorney” to act on Moore’s behalf.

The suit also references a 2024 production deal between Moore and TRIBL, under which Moore agreed to deliver an album, 40 tour dates, and 12 new compositions in exchange for $1.75 million in advances and a 15% ownership stake in Maverick City Music. Moore says he fulfilled his obligations but has yet to receive accurate royalty statements or full payment. Now, he’s out of the group and suing his former manager.”

“Defendants’ unlawful, fraudulent and unconscionable business practices have tainted every agreement between plaintiffs and defendants,” the suit states.

Raine hasn’t filed a lawsuit following her departure from the group, but shared a similar sentiment to Moore on Instagram when announcing her exit, telling her fans it was time for a new chapter.

”Still writing. Still singing. Still worshiping and leading others in worship—just on my own,” she wrote. “This isn’t really an ending, but a new beginning. A new chapter. I’m excited about the music, the ministry, and the purpose ahead. God’s not done yet.”

RELATED CONTENT: Don Jackson On 40 Years Of The Stellar Awards And The Future Of Gospel Music

Wig shop, wigs, Beauty Supply institute, Devin Robinson, Georgia, Maryland
by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Fraud Alert: The Beauty Supply Institute Accused Of Running Scam Against Black Women In Georgia And Maryland

Beauty Supply Institute reached an agreement with the Georgia Attorney General's Office after allegedly exploiting hundreds of entrepreneurs.

The Georgia Attorney General’s Office has ordered the Beauty Supply Institute to close or face a $2.2 million fine.

Beauty Supply Institute reached an agreement after allegedly exploiting hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs, many of them Black women. The order follows a months-long investigation into the firm’s business training programs and marketing claims by 11Alive.

“According to Fulton County court records, the state entered into an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance agreement with Beauty Supply Institute and its founder Devin Robinson,” the news outlet reports. “It orders the company, along with another associated company under the name Derobis Enterprises, and Robinson individually to stop doing business in Georgia.”

The company promotes itself as a pathway for opening independently-owned beauty supply stores. It allegedly charged thousands of dollars in coaching and consulting fees and not delivering the promised resources. Investigators said clients were left with little more than generic business materials and mounting debt.

In a statement, the attorney general’s office said its review found “a pattern of deceptive advertising and unfair business practices” under Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act. 

Regulators said BSI’s promotional materials overstated the success rate of its students and falsely implied endorsement from major beauty brands.

Robinson has denied wrongdoing. In a previous interview with 11Alive, Robinson argued that some clients misunderstood the scope of the program. 

“We give people the knowledge and the steps. It’s up to them to follow through,” he said. 

Consumer protection attorney Jasmine Carter told 11Alive that cases like this one “prey on people’s dreams. They promise empowerment, but what many get is debt and disappointment.”

If Robinson fails to comply with any part of the agreement, which bars him from advertising, offering, or selling any product or service in Georgia, he will have to pay financial penalty immediately.

The Attorney General’s Office also confirmed that former clients may be eligible for restitution if the court upholds the violations.

In 2024, the Maryland Security Commission filed a cease and desist order against BSI for identical actions detailed in the Georgia case. 

The Beauty Supply Institute has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. Victims must now seek restitution through civil court. The Beauty Supply Institute’s official website remains active and online.

RELATED CONTENT: FBI Searching For Florida Woman Involved In Alleged $34M COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scam

Misty Copeland, Black Ballerinas, Trauma, American Ballet Theatre
by Kandiss Edwards

October 9, 2025

Misty Copeland Will Take Final Bow At The 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala

The performance is being marketed as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.” 

Misty Copeland will perform with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for the final time on Oct. 22.

Copeland’s farewell night will be held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. The performance will include tributes, speeches, and dance honoring her artistic legacy and impact on the institution. Additionally, Copeland announced via X that a simulcast of her performance would allow fans the opportunity to join in her celebratory final bow. The simulcast will take place at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, with tickets available on the day of the event. 

In a statement, the ABT announced the end of Copeland’s 25-year tenure. The performance will take place at the ABT’s Fall Gala and is being marketed as a “once-in-a-lifetime event.”

“I could never have imagined the life ballet would give me,” Copeland said in the statement. “To dance on the world’s greatest stages, with artists I admire so deeply, has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. My time with ABT has shaped me not just as a dancer, but as a person, and given me the platform to reach back and make space for others. This moment isn’t a farewell, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together, and a step toward all the work that’s still ahead.”

Beyond performance, Copeland is already working towards defining her post-stage career. She is also growing her production company, Life in Motion Production. Furthermore, Copeland is promoting her new children’s book, Bunheads: Act 2.

“These characters reflect the world I want every child to see in a ballet studio, diverse, supportive, and full of possibility,” she told Ebony.

The ABT spoke highly of Copeland’s work and legacy. Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of ABT, called the ballerina a “once in a generation” talent. She also emphasized Copeland’s significance beyond the stage.

“Her legacy at ABT is profound—not only through the roles she’s redefined but also through the lives she’s inspired. Misty’s advocacy for inclusion, equity, and education ensures her impact will resonate far beyond this moment,” Jaffe said.

Copeland’s farewell is not just a performance; it’s the summation of a career that broke barriers, inspired young dancers of color, and changed how ballet is perceived by its audience and its artists. Some of Copeland’s career-defining roles include her depiction of Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and the title role in Firebird.

RELATED CONTENT: Misty Copeland Discusses Trauma Black Ballerinas Face

Businesses, Entrepreneurs
by Jeffrey McKinney

October 9, 2025

Beyond Diversity: Black Voters Push For Childcare And Salary Transparency In Next DEI Wave

More networking opportunities ranked as the No. 1 request from Black women for DEI reform.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not entirely dead and buried for Black voters, despite attacks by President Donald Trump to end those programs.

New research shows that they want transparency in hiring, programs to improve accessibility for people with and without disabilities, and employer-paid emergency childcare among the top future reforms in the nation’s workplace tied to DEI.

The fresh findings stem from a survey of just over 3,000 registered voters, including 12% who are Black, by Bellwether Research and Consulting. Bellwether and Hart Research conducted 10 focus groups with diverse populations before the national survey to get their views.

The analysis comes as Trump has called for the dismantling of DEI programs in the federal government and ordered federal agencies to compile lists of private companies that might be investigated for their DEI practices. As such, Black federal workers and those employed by private firms could become unemployed.

While many businesses and others continue to support DEI efforts, those actions this year have faced a rise in political resistance, legal obstacles, and public distrust. And spats have reportedly emerged on matters like fairness, merit, and identity.

The latest report aims to gain deeper insights into attitudes around DEI, understand how voters from different demographics view DEI, and determine the best way for the private and public sectors to apply those practices in the future.

Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research and Consulting, provided commentary on Black voters’ responses by email to BLACK ENTERPRISE after serving as the report’s lead researcher.

She says the desire for transparency in pay and for programs to improve accessibility were among the top choices for most voters, not just Black voters. For employer-paid emergency childcare, both Black men and Black women prioritize it, while, conversely, white voters consider it a higher priority for women.

Matthews declared that an exciting finding is that the No. 1 request for Black women was “more networking opportunities, especially for people who do not come from privileged backgrounds.” It was their top choice among that group at 40%. It didn’t show up among Black voters overall, as Black men rated it lower at 27%.

“Black women rated this option higher than any other cohort in the survey.”

The report offered many recommendations tied to suggested future DEI practices. Among them: “Allies should lean in and push back on Trump’s DEI attacks. Right now, what voters are hearing isn’t balanced — it’s mostly anti-DEI.” It added the most egregious examples, including “cutting federal research on women’s health and pressuring private companies to drop DEI.”

It proposes challenging DEI myths about who benefits as well as merit. Refuting the practice solely on the basis of race or gender undermines standards. It suggests redefining who benefits from the procedure and emphasizing DEI specifies equal opportunity to compete based on skills.

So, what are the next potential steps to take DEI to another level based on the survey findings? A spokesman for NxtLevel, a DEI advocacy organization that funded the report, shared its intentions on how the research will be utilized.

“Over the course of the next few weeks and months, NxtLevel is going to be briefing stakeholders and executives across different sectors– corporations, non-profits, activists, influencers, and others so that they can fully understand where the American people truly stand on equal opportunity programs and can use this data in ways that complement their existing efforts.”

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computer programmer, technology, innovation
by Ahsan Washington

October 8, 2025

Black Tech Products To Purchase Before ‘Prime Day’ Is Done

These deals go beyond discount and aesthetics

As Amazon closes out its Prime Big Deal Day, the timing feels just right for turning the lens toward tech items that are charting territory in artificial intelligence, audio, and wearables. These products go beyond aesthetics and snappy specs. They’re re‑imagining the way we engage with technology. BLACK ENTERPRISE is highlighting seven tech brands to consider buying, championing, and keeping on your radar, even beyond Prime Days.

House of Marley

House of Marley, the venture founded by Alon Kaufman, carries forward the Marley family’s legacy under a banner of technology. Its lineup of eco‑friendly Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and turntables, fashioned from bamboo and recycled components, has become synonymous with exceptional audio quality. Periodically in the days surrounding Prime Day, the brand rolls out discounts that can climb to 20%. 

BUY HERE

SOUL Electronics

Born in 2010 out of a collaboration between rapper Ludacris and Signeo USA, SOUL Electronics crafts top‑tier wireless earbuds, over‑ear headphones, and Bluetooth speakers that pack noise‑cancelling technology. The company routinely rolls out bundle promotions or flash‑sale offers around Prime Day and other key shopping periods. By fusing star power with engineering, the brand resonates with today’s discerning shoppers.

BUY HERE

Jrumz

Founded by New Orleans‑based audiologist Dr. Lana Joseph, Jrumz delivers high‑end earwear, earbuds, noise‑cancelling headphones, and in‑ear monitors all engineered for comfort and hearing safety. Check jrumzworld.com for markdowns.

BUY HERE

Mymanu

Mymanu, founded by Danny Manu, a British-Ghanaian engineer and tech entrepreneur, is known for its CLIK earbuds, which can translate over 40 languages in real time. Catch this Prime-Day markdown on the international site and U.K. marketplaces. Visit mymanu.com to learn more about this innovative company, which represents a new frontier in Black-led innovation, blending AI, sound, and accessibility.

BUY HERE

RELATED CONTENT: Tech, Talent, And Tenacity: How Black Founders Are Shaping Memphis’ Economic Future

Theresa Randle, arrest, domestic violence
by Keka Araújo

October 8, 2025

Final Fugitive Cornered: Gas Forces Louisiana Fugitive Derrick Groves Out Of Atlanta Hideout

The five-month manhunt for Derrick Groves, the last of 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in one of Louisiana’s largest jailbreaks, came to a definitive end Oct. 8 when authorities found him hiding in a crawl space beneath a southwest Atlanta home.

Groves, 28, a fugitive serving a life sentence, was captured by a SWAT team after federal authorities spent several hours searching the Honeysuckle Street home. Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian Fair confirmed that officers deployed gas multiple times into the house and basement before finally locating the fugitive in a deep basement crawl space.

“Based on how long it took a seasoned, well-trained SWAT team to get him out, he had planned to hide for a while,” Fair said, highlighting the premeditation involved in the evasion. Video released by Atlanta police shows Groves, shirtless and shackled, blowing a kiss and grinning as officers led him to a patrol car. He was booked into the Fulton County Jail as a fugitive from justice and now awaits extradition to Louisiana.

Groves’ capture marks the end of a multi-agency operation that spanned several states since the May 16, 2025, mass breakout. Groves, convicted in 2024 of second-degree murder and manslaughter for a Mardi Gras block party shooting, was the final escapee remaining at large.

The 10 inmates initially escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center by squeezing through a hole behind a toilet, scaling a barbed-wire fence, and leaving behind a taunting message on a cell wall that read, “To Easy LOL.”

The dramatic escape, which exposed significant security weaknesses at the facility, drew sharp condemnation from state leaders. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised the operation on X, saying, “All 10 escapees are back where they belong: BEHIND BARS.”

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams confirmed his office would pursue every legal avenue against Groves.

“Groves’ escape represented a serious breach of public safety and a historic failure of custodial security,” Williams said in a statement. “His capture brings long-awaited calm to victims, their families… and the people of New Orleans who were rightly concerned that a convicted violent offender had escaped so easily.”

Federal investigators previously confirmed that Groves and the other inmates received substantial help. At least 16 people have been charged with assisting the fugitives before or after their escape, including providing them with cash, food, and shelter. Those arrested include Darriana Burton, Groves’ former girlfriend and a former jail employee, and a maintenance worker accused of shutting off water to the cell toilet during the breakout. 

The controversy over the delay in alerting the public to the May escape has prompted new state action; Louisiana lawmakers proposed a bill that would make it mandatory for state and parish officials to immediately alert victims and the public following an inmate’s escape.

Groves is expected to face new charges related to the jailbreak upon his return to Louisiana.

RELATED CONTENT: BREAKING: Judge Sentences Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs To 50 Months In Federal Prison

supreme court, reverse discrimination
by Kandiss Edwards

October 8, 2025

‘P-Valley’ Creator Katori Hall Speaks Out After Final Nail In Copyright Infringement Case

The decision marks the end of Gilbert-Daniels’s journey to prove copyright infringement.

P-Valley writer and producer, Katori Hall, is breaking her silence after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear her copyright infringement case brought by Dr. Nicole “Nicci” Gilbert-Daniels.

This closes the years-long legal battle over claims that Hall’s hit series P-Valley copied Gilbert-Daniels’s original work. Gilbert-Daniels took her case to the Supreme Court in April 2025. She argued that lower courts failed to properly assess the “qualitative value” of creative expression in works centering on Black women’s stories. The high court declined to hear the appeal, Docket 24-1251, without comment.

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, P-Valley creator Hall released a statement on Instagram. Hall has said very little since Gilbert-Daniels’s initial filing. She is now detailing the “vulnerable” ways she bared her “creative process” in an attempt to verify the originality of P-Valley. 

“I disclosed that email along with over 16,000 pages–various drafts of the play, television pitches and treatments, and even an early pilot of P-VALLEY–all proof of my independent creation,” Hall wrote.

 Hall asserts the ordeal has left her bruised both personally and professionally. Yet, she holds no ill will toward Gilbert-Daniels.

“While this long and arduous ordeal has tested my reputation and my patience, I wish the plaintiff peace. I am so thankful the truth has prevailed, allowing me to finally close this difficult chapter.”

Additionally, Gilbert-Daniels posted a statement on Instagram. The producer asserted that the rejection was due to a broken system that favored powerful Hollywood studios. 

“By declining to hear this case, the Court missed a chance to address a troubling pattern: the near-automatic dismissal of creative plaintiffs’ claims before a jury ever hears them. Hollywood has won 99% of copyright cases over the past two decades, not because every artist was wrong, but because the system is built to favor the powerful.”

Gilbert-Daniels, a singer-songwriter and television producer known for her work with the R&B group Brownstone, filed suit in 2021. The singer alleged that the hit show drew heavily from her stage play and 2011 film Soul Kittens Cabaret. Both projects explored the lives of women navigating performance and survival in a nightlife setting. She argued that creator Katori Hall and Lionsgate used “substantial portions” of her concept without credit or compensation.

Federal courts repeatedly rejected Gilbert-Daniels’s claims. In December 2023, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson ruled that the two works overlap and amounted to “unprotectable ideas and stock elements.” The judge concluded that no reasonable jury could find copyright infringement under U.S. law. The Ninth Circuit upheld that decision in early 2024.

The denial marks the end of Gilbert-Daniels’ appeal options and leaves intact lower-court rulings that found P-Valley did not infringe on her intellectual property. The Starz series, which premiered in 2020, remains one of the network’s most critically acclaimed shows and was renewed for a third season in October 2022.

RELATED CONTENT: Shots Fired! R&;B Diva Nicci Gilbert Says ;P-Valley’; Writer Ripped Off Her 2010 Stage Play

amazon
by Ahsan Washington

October 8, 2025

Buy Out These Black Brands Before Amazon ‘Prime Day’ Ends

Prime Big Deal Days, a 48‑hour, members‑only shopping sprint

Each October, Amazon rolls out its Prime Day, now branded as Prime Big Deal Days, a 48‑hour, members‑only shopping sprint. In 2025, the event ran from Oct. 7- 8. During this short window, limited‑time price cuts pop up across a mix of categories, including fashion and beauty, home furnishings, tech, and beyond. Here are a few Black-led brands that offer decent discounts and are worth both a look and a purchase. 

BLK & Bold Coffee

BLK & Bold Coffee, founded by Pernell Cezar Jr. and Rod Johnson, is a specialty coffee brand that leans into its mission, channeling five percent of its profits into youth and community initiatives. In Prime or Amazon promotions, the company has rolled out discounts and bundled offers for both its coffee and tea lines. When October’s Prime Days arrive, keep an eye on the “Coffee & Beverage” section or Amazon’s “and “Buy Black” tags to spot their listings. Because coffee is a consumable that’s light to ship, it often makes for a gift‑ready bundle.

BUY HERE

The Lip Bar

The Lip Bar is a makeup line that offers vegan and cruelty‑free lipsticks and face products. It often slips in 25 % off deals in its past promos for Prime events. Keep an eye on the beauty and cosmetics sections throughout the rest of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days window.

BUY HERE

Lemlem

Lemlem, founded by Liya Kebede, delivers artisan‑crafted textiles, vacation‑ready apparel, and sustainably produced goods made in Africa. Items range from dresses and linen pants to knitwear and home items, which are perfect for days in between seasons. Discounts typically appear during Prime Big Deal Days. Summer and resort pieces see the cuts—while early fall clearance events move out the season’s stock. Lemlem’s official webshop and a network of retailers carry the line. Examine the reviews. Confirm the product’s authenticity when the listing appears on Amazon or through a third‑party vendor. 

BUY HERE

Brother Vellies

Brother Vellies’ lineup includes everything from vellies and breezy sandals to boots and sleek mules, and it also offers bags and other accessories. To illustrate, the Brother’s Scan N Cut Tote Bag retails at $99 on Amazon. 

BUY HERE

Andrea Iyamah

Andrea Iyamah, a designer whose repertoire includes dresses, swimwear, resort wear, and cover‑ups, often lets many of her pieces drift into discount mode, yielding price cuts. The Naru one‑piece swimsuit serves as a textbook example: once carrying a sticker price of nearly $280, it now fetches $168. Meanwhile, the brand’s bikini assortment spans across a price spectrum from $105 all the way down to $26.25.

BUY HERE


Mother’s Shea by Eu’Genia

Mother’s Shea by Eu’Genia is a body and skin care line that carries whipped shea butter. It currently has a discount of about 16% on Amazon, where it’s priced at $25 instead of the original $30. 

BUY HERE

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JADEN SMITH, WILLOW SMITH
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 8, 2025

Jaden And Willow Smith Get Into Voice Acting Bag As Siblings Executive Produce Anime Films

The siblings will star and produce multiple films with N Lite, a black-owned anime studio.

Jaden and Willow Smith are jumping into voice acting as the famous siblings star and executive produce anime-style films.

The children of fellow actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have partnered with N Lite, a Black-owned anime studio and production company, to bring these films to life. Based in the U.S. and Tokyo, N Lite has joined forces with the famous siblings to further promote the animation style, especially for Black fans and creators.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jaden will start with a voice role in N Lite’s Mfinda. Already in pre-production, the epic fantasy takes inspiration from Congolese folklore, with additional backing from Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, legendary anime producer Masao Maruyama, and producer-distributor powerhouse GKIDS of Boy and the Heron fame.

“When I met [N Lite Founder and CEO Christiano Terry], saw the artwork for Mfinda and learned more about the story, I was blown away,” Jaden said. “A lot of people have asked when I’d get back into anime; I knew immediately this was it. I’m honored to work with N LITE and the legendary producer Masao Maruyama to bring this film to life.”

For his role, Jaden will play Kozo, an ancient spirit warrior who protects both humans and the forest within the Kingdom of the Kongo. The film reportedly stands as the first anime feature created by a blended team of Black and Japanese producers and animators.

As for his younger sister, Willow will also make her mark in the anime scene. She will help produce and voice act in Webe: Spirit Detective. Described as a horror/thriller, its story is shaped from Gullah Geechee folklore. The plot focuses on an amateur sleuth’s journey down the Deep South while they investigate a pattern of murders that have disturbed the vengeful Boo Hag spirit.

“To me, Webe is more than an anime; it is a story about reconnecting with mystical ancestry and the power in discovering your roots and your tribe,” Willow said. “It is the type of film that I want to be a part of, and I’m excited to be doing this with N LITE.” 

The Smith siblings have already become household names in their own right through music, fashion, and more creative avenues. Now, they are trailblazing a new path in anime, making greater space for Black anime enthusiasts to feel represented in its development. N Lite’s CEO also shared his praise for the two young actors as they bridge this path.

“They are pillars of this generation and talented storytellers at the zeitgeist of culture, art, fashion, music, and cinema. I can’t wait for the world to see what we have in store,” added Terry.

RELATED CONTENT: Who Knew Willow Smith Authored A Whole Fantasy Sci-Fi Novel?

Baltimore mayor, Brandon M. Scott
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 8, 2025

Baltimore Strikes Back: City Sues MoneyLion, Alleging Predatory Loans Trap Black Residents in Debt Cycle

As the Trump Administration eased policies surrounding corporate oversight, Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson challenges more local governments to go after companies with “bad corporate conduct.”

The city of Baltimore announced plans to sue technology company MoneyLion Technologies Inc. over alleged discriminatory practices that the city says kept its Black residents in a continuous cycle of debt, The Baltimore Sun reported. 

In an announcement by Mayor Brandon Scott, the lawsuit, in collaboration with Berger Montague, accuses MoneyLion of violating the city’s Consumer Protection Ordinance through misleading marketing initiatives, specifically by promoting high-cost, short-term loans under the guise of “Instacash Advances.”

The litigation claims that MoneyLion lured residents in by marketing Instacash Advances as a different form of payday lending, offering customers “zero-interest loans.” 

However, Charm City alleges the narrative failed to alert consumers about the hidden fees that came with it and instead, encouraged users to pay “tips” that resulted in interest rates more than 10 times the 33% APR cap established by Maryland law, according to CBS News. 

In a statement, Scott said the company trapped the city’s most vulnerable residents. “MoneyLion has preyed on Baltimoreans, trapping our most vulnerable residents in borrowing cycles that made it harder and harder for them to pay bills and put food on the table,” the mayor said. 

“Not only is that wrong, it’s illegal. We’re committed to holding MoneyLion accountable — as we’ve done for other big corporations trying to take advantage of our residents.”

Data to support Baltimore’s debt claim was included in the lawsuit. Research from the Center for Responsible Lending showed that Americans who use apps such as MoneyLion are prone to incurring more overdraft fees and taking out multiple advances within weeks of establishing an account. The city argues that patterns revealed by the data prove how consumers become trapped in recurring debt. Berger Montague attorney James Hannaway says the suit is the “first step in stopping MoneyLion from preying on Baltimore’s most financially vulnerable residents.”

As the Trump Administration eased policies surrounding corporate oversight, Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson issued a call to action for local governments to follow in Baltimore’s footsteps, which has targeted other major corporations, challenging “bad corporate conduct.”  “Actions like these are unfortunately necessary to protect consumers from bad corporate conduct,” Thompson said. 

“With the federal government now abdicating its responsibilities to consumers, states and localities must pick up the slack.”

Former Baltimore City Solicitor Andre M. Davis celebrated the city’s views, saying he can’t remember the consumer protection law ever being tested to this caliber. 

Adding MoneyLion to the list, the city has pending litigations against sports betting giants, DraftKings and FanDuel, amid accusations that the companies use unfair and deceptive advertising practices to exploit vulnerable communities, luring them into gambling addiction. 

In partnership with the state of Maryland, both governments issued a suit against Austrian firearms manufacturer Glock, alleging the company doesn’t do enough to stop products from being transformed into illegal machine guns with auto sear devices often referred to as “Glock switches.”

RELATED CONTENT: Baltimore Grant Program Aims To Restore Vacant Row Houses

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