Up next, and Ashanti has lost that breach of contract case brought by producer Genard Parker, and has been ordered by a New York court to pay him $630,000. As previously reported, Mr Parker claimed that he had 'discovered' Ashanti but released her from his contract after she was picked up by her record label. He did so, he alleged, on the condition that he could produce two songs for her debut album and receive a $50,000 (£28,522) advance plus royalties, a promise that was not honoured. Parker's lawyer, Jasmine Khalili, called the verdict a "huge victory" and added "They never acknowledged what he had done. It takes a jury to get a thank you."
Ashanti's lawyer, Harry Stokes, said the R&B star was disappointed and would appeal, adding "We think the jury got confused somewhat, particularly on the damages. We feel confident when this is said and done we won't have to pay out anything."