Stylist Sues Mary J. Blige Over Business Dispute with Vado

NEW YORK, New York — Stylist Misa Hylton has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Grammy-winning singer Mary J. Blige, alleging that Blige has sabotaged Hylton’s business relationship with rapper Vado. The lawsuit, filed in New York, claims Blige withheld Vado’s completed album to pressure him into severing ties with Hylton and her company, M.I.S.A Management.

The documents reveal that Blige, alongside her company Beautiful Life Productions, interfered with Hylton’s management agreement with Vado, which granted M.I.S.A 20 percent of the rapper’s earnings. Hylton accuses Blige of using her professional and personal influence to lure Vado away from the contract established on July 25, 2023.

According to the lawsuit, Blige allegedly encouraged Vado to abandon M.I.S.A during private yacht gatherings, hotel meetings, and other exclusive events that Hylton and her team were not invited to. It is also claimed that Blige’s head of security, who is additionally described as her boyfriend, pressured Vado into pursuing a new contract, warning him he would ‘lose out on opportunities’ if he remained with M.I.S.A.

Vado signed with Beautiful Life Productions on October 1, 2023, after collaborating with Blige on the song “Still Believe in Love.” Despite completing an album in July 2024, the lawsuit claims Blige refused to release the project until he cut ties with M.I.S.A. In private messages, Blige allegedly stated she would not allow Vado to tour or release the album ‘as long as he stayed with M.I.S.A.’

Hylton argues that Blige’s actions have left Vado in what she describes as ‘economic servitude,’ making it impossible for him to repay financial advances linked to his recording deal. The lawsuit seeks damages for breach of contract, emotional distress, and disruption of business relations.

The legal dispute is unexpected, given Hylton’s long-standing relationship as Blige’s stylist and creative partner during the singer’s rise to fame.