'Basketball Wives' Producers May Sue Jennifer Williams; Star Jones Launches Boycott
The producers of VH1 reality TV show "Basketball Wives" are reportedly plotting to sue one of the show's cast members after she filed a lawsuit following a physical altercation.
Jennifer Williams recently filed a lawsuit against a Harlem resident know as Nia Crooks after she was viciously attacked while filming a segment, and VH1 executives are now alleging that Williams' complaint has tarnished the "Basketball Wives" brand, according to TMZ.
Williams, who is seeking unspecified damages in her complaint, alleges that Crooks, who is her co-star Evelyn Lozada's personal assistant, beat her and caused severe physical and emotional injuries, and recently spoke out about the violent incident.
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"Violence used against any person is wrong but when a woman hits another woman it sets a horrible example for young girls everywhere. I choose to use the justice system to fight back," Williams told the Daily News.
"I was sitting at the conference room table and this girl starts arguing with me out of nowhere, [Nia's] not even on the show. She hit me with her open hand on my cheek. I've never been hit in my life!" she added.
VH1 executives, along with some "Basketball Wives" co-stars, are reportedly arguing that Williams has no right to sue anyone because the risk of injury was outlined in her contract.
"Participant expressly assumes the risk of any physical or emotional injuries participant may suffer as a result of participant's participation in the project," the contract states according to TMZ, and Williams is said to have signed it.
Producers also reportedly claim that Williams is prohibited from badmouthing the show, arguing that she recently bashed the show in her statements about the incident with Crooks.
VH1 criticisms against Williams has prompted widespread backlash from a number of viewers, including former "The View" co-host Star Jones, who took to Twitter to condemn the violence.
"It may be 'comfortable' to be quiet when women of color slap the crap out of each other & run across tables barefoot, but #EnoughisEnough," tweeted Jones.
"It sickens me when young sisters think that behavior is acceptable...You're either part of the problem or part of the solution… The impact of toxic television can kill our image, but not paying attention to our #HeartHealth will kill us dead. Now that is #Truth," she wrote.
Williams' lawsuit has reportedly prompted certain cast members to boycott the show by refusing to take part in filming for the reunion special, which is scheduled for filming in May.
"Basketball Wives" often receives criticism for its constant violence as it regularly features scenes where cast members are subject to hair pulling, punching, slapping, and even glass throwing.
SEE VIDEO OF JENNIFER WILLIAMS TALKING ABOUT SLAP BY NIA CROOKS
