A woman took the stand and explained to a judge why she believes she is entitled to 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.
After Lashala Irby’s testimony Friday, Burbank Superior Court Judge Frank M. Tavelman took her request under submission. No one appeared on behalf of the 26-year-old Rock, who has not participated in the court proceedings.
Irby contends the alleged attack occurred on Jan. 22, 2023, at the function on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in North Hollywood. 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 said. “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 said.
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, according to Irby.
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 said. “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 said the request for $250,000 “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.