In a federal courtroom, newly revealed text communications have painted a stark picture of the immediate period following a violent 2016 incident central to an ongoing criminal trial. The messages, presented as evidence, were sent by a singer to her former partner, a prominent music executive, days after a hotel altercation captured on surveillance footage.
One particular message from the singer, dated March 10, 2016, directly addressed the alleged abuse. “When you get intoxicated, you always want to show me you have the power and you knock me around,” the statement read in court. “I’m not a rag doll, I’m someone’s child.”
During cross-examination, the defense team for the executive focused on substance use, suggesting it played a role in the events. When asked if she had previously described the executive as “black out” during the hotel incident, the singer testified, “I believe he was intoxicated,” adding that perceptions of such a state can vary.
The presented text thread also included an exchange from after the alleged assault, in which the executive initiated a sexual advance. The singer responded that the “vibe” was not good following the prior Friday’s events, to which the executive replied dismissively, “F— Friday lol. I don’t even want to do that again.” Later messages showed an exchange of “I love you.”
The singer’s testimony is part of a broader case in which she has alleged a pattern of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and coercion during their on-and-off relationship from 2007 to 2018. The music executive is currently facing federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. The trial continues.
