This story is an exclusive report from AllHipHop.
Kenneth Petty is pushing back hard against what his team says is an overreach in a civil lawsuit linked to his 1994 rape conviction—and they want Nicki Minaj kept out of it.
In a court filing submitted on Thursday, March 27, Petty’s legal team argued that Jennifer Hough’s lawsuit, which claims harassment and emotional distress, is attempting to improperly access Nicki Minaj’s financial records, despite Minaj being dismissed from the case in 2022.
Hough filed the civil suit alleging she was harassed and pressured by Petty and Minaj after she publicly spoke out about the 1994 case. Petty served four years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted rape, and Hough maintains that recent actions by the couple created fear for her safety and mental well-being.
Legal Fire Intensifies
Now that Kenneth Petty is the sole remaining defendant, the spotlight is on him—and his legal team says Hough’s latest demands go too far. In particular, they object to a discovery request that would require disclosure of joint tax returns filed by Petty and Minaj.
“Petty has not earned any income in tax years 2022–2023,” his attorney Steven Isser stated, adding that no 2024 return has yet been submitted.
According to Isser, Hough’s attorneys missed multiple discovery deadlines and are attempting to expand the case beyond its legal scope.
“[Hough] did not seek [Petty’s] tax returns or employment history until after the cut-off for discovery had passed,” Isser wrote, as reported in an AllHipHop exclusive.
Hough’s legal team also claimed Petty worked in a paid role for Minaj as a manager, security guard, or even nanny—an accusation that Petty’s team calls baseless.
“Plaintiff’s unsupported speculation that [Petty] was Ms. Minaj’s manager entitled to 20% of her gross earnings and/or was a paid security guard for his wife is absurd and is not supported by [Petty’s] testimony at his deposition or any other evidence,” the filing stated.
Petty did acknowledge receiving “allotments” from Minaj’s company but clarified those were not professional wages and not subject to income reporting.
“I offered to provide [Hough] with a certified list of such payments (an Affidavit), in lieu of production of the joint tax returns,” Isser explained.
Isser also sharply criticized Hough’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, suggesting he’s more interested in media attention than proper legal discovery.
“[Hough’s] motion papers also are littered with inaccurate statements, in an attempt to garner media attention and to attempt to embarrass [Petty] and his wife,” the reply stated.
What’s at Stake
Hough is currently seeking punitive damages from Petty. Her team maintains that the financial records are relevant to assessing damages, but Petty’s attorneys counter that the request is invasive and irrelevant given Minaj’s legal dismissal.
A judge has yet to rule on the latest motion.
Why It Matters
This case sits at the intersection of legal accountability, celebrity privacy, and media scrutiny. As one of the most talked-about couples in hip-hop, Petty and Minaj continue to attract attention not just for their music, but for the legal drama surrounding their past and present.
At KMOB1003, we cover the culture behind the headlines—because what happens offstage still shapes the narrative.
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