A six million dollar lawsuit tied to the promotion of dancehall star Vybz Kartel’s U.S. concerts and his 0-1B visa has been dismissed with prejudice by Justice Brendan Lantry in the New York Supreme Court, marking a decisive legal victory for the artist and his legal team.
Kartel was represented by The Townsend Law Firm, led by attorney Kadian Townsend, who successfully obtained a court order dismissing the case, effectively preventing the claims from being filed again in the same court.
Townsend told the Jamaica Observer,“This win means a lot both personally and professionally. Personally, it is a reminder of God’s presence and his goodness. At the age of five, He placed a desire in my heart to become a lawyer and He has been guiding me ever since. I pray about every case that I touch and he is the one who gives me strategies and walks with me into every boardroom and courtroom.”
Townsend also shared remarks with the Observer on her client’s feedback, “As you can imagine, the deejay is very pleased with the ruling, as it intercepted any serious ripple effects that could have had implications both financially and professionally, and could have impacted business relationships and performing rights. Winning this case is a huge relief and now he can put it behind him and just focus on continuing to thrive in his career.”
World Music Views obtained court documents filed last July, in Kings County Supreme Court, New York, by Karen Soltau-Mutebi and The Conglomerate Group Inc., who are involved in the entertainment promotion business.
The Conglomerate Group Inc was the promoter of Kartel’s concert at the Amerant Bank Arena in Florida and Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey last year.
In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that event promoter Cassandra Johnson also known as CJ Milan, associated with Epic League Events and Reggae Fest, interfered with their business relationships connected to Kartel’s U.S. performances.
The lawsuit sought damages and injunctive relief, alleging:
- Tortious interference with business relationships
- Defamation
- Unjust enrichment
- Misappropriation of business opportunities
At one point, the threat of an injunction loomed over Vybz Kartel’s landmark concert run last year, raising the possibility that the shows could be halted or that funds generated from the performances could be frozen. The dispute centered on who held the rights to promote Kartel’s concerts in the United States after an O-1B visa petition was filed to allow the internationally recognized Jamaican artist to perform legally in the country.
Visa Petition and Concert Arrangements
According to the court filings, the plaintiffs claimed they coordinated the legal and logistical process necessary to secure Kartel’s O-1B visa, which allows individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts to work in the United States.
They also asserted they negotiated several U.S. performances, including two concerts held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn in April 2025.
The complaint acknowledged that Cassandra Johnson, helped promote those shows with the plaintiffs’ consent and reportedly accounted to them for those events.
However, the plaintiffs alleged that the dispute escalated when Johnson began promoting additional performances independently, including events at:
- State Farm Arena in Atlanta
- CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore
The lawsuit claimed these promotions occurred without authorization from the plaintiffs and without sharing proceeds.
Despite the allegations outlined in the complaint, the case ultimately did not proceed to trial. The New York Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, meaning the claims cannot be refiled in the same court.
