Missy Elliott just scored a win in court after a judge ruled that her fame and fortune won’t play a role in her long-running legal battle with a former SISTA bandmate.
The case dates back to the early ’90s, centering on the songwriting rights to SISTA’s 1994 album 4 All the Sistas Around da World. Terry Williams, one of the group’s members, claims he co-wrote several tracks on the project and says he penned 34 songs in total. Elliott, however, maintains that she wrote the songs on her own without his contribution.
In a new ruling from U.S. District Judge Nitza Quiñones Alejandro, Williams’ ability to present certain evidence was restricted.
“References to Elliott’s wealth, fame, and other works have little to no relevance to this case. The probative value is outweighed by a danger of unfair prejudice,” the judge wrote, per Baller Alert.
Williams had argued that Elliott’s public comments about her career should be considered, but the court shut down that request, barring the use of her success to justify higher damages. The only exception would be if a direct connection between Elliott’s career and the disputed songs could be proven.
This isn’t the first time Williams has taken Elliott to court. Last year, a separate lawsuit over royalties for Aaliyah’s 1996 track “Heartbroken” was dismissed after Williams—who claimed he wrote the song—waited 22 years before filing his case.
