Despite a judge’s recent denial of her application, a woman is again seeking a $250,000 default judgment against rapper and television personality Chrisean Rock for injuries suffered during an alleged attack by the entertainer at a 2023 premier event.
Lashala Irby contends in court papers filed with Burbank Superior Court Judge Frank M. Tavelman that the 26-year-old Rock has not participated in the event and that therefore a default judgment is appropriate. In a sworn declaration, Irby contends the alleged attack occurred on Jan. 22, 2023, at the function on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood.
On June 5, the judge’s clerk issued a minute order stating that the application was denied because Irby did not specify an amount sought in her lawsuit. But on Tuesday, Irby’s attorney filed court papers with Tavelman stating that the rapper was served with a statement of damages sought prior to the beginning of the default proceedings, giving the entertainer adequate notice.
“Despite receiving that notice, defendant elected not to appear, answer or otherwise defend the action,” Irby’s attorney states in his court papers.
Irby previously submitted a sworn declaration in support of her application.
“I was violently assaulted by a well-known celebrity and that assault was captured on video that continues to circulate across the internet to this day,” Irby says. “Knowing that strangers can watch one of the most terrifying and humiliating moments of my life at any time has been emotionally shattering.”
The ongoing public exposure of the alleged assault has “magnified my suffering in a way that words can hardly capture,” Irby further says.
Every time Irby sees or hears about the video, or even thinks that it is still being viewed, forces the plaintiff to relive the trauma all over again, Irby further says.
A video of the alleged attack is attached to Irby’s court papers. Irby said the meeting with Rock was initially cordial.
“After discussing a prior working relationship with (Rock), I turned around and began to walk away, Irby says. “Suddenly and without warning, (Rock) physically assaulted me with such force that I suffered severe injuries and damage.”
The entertainer has “refused to appear in this case, leaving her conduct unchallenged,” according to Irby, who further says that the request for $250,000.00 “reflects the severity of the injuries I suffered at (Rock’s) hands, the overwhelming pain and suffering she caused me and the malicious and unprovoked nature of her brutal attack.”
Irby has reached a collective tentative $35,000 settlement with Zeus Networks LLC, which hosted the event, and MGP XI-GPI Laurel Plaza LLC, the property owners.