'Basketball Wives' Reunion Show Canceled After Jennifer Williams Lawsuit?
VH1's "Basketball Wives" reunion show is in jeopardy and may not go ahead following reports that some of the show's cast members are boycotting the show due to their co-star Jennifer Williams.
Williams, who is one of the show's original case members, filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against her co-star Evelyn Lozada's personal assistant after she was viciously attacked, which has prompted some cast members to boycott the show by refusing to take part in filming for the reunion special, according to TMZ.
Nia Crooks, a Harlem resident, has been named as the defendant in Williams' claim and the reality star is seeking unspecified damages over the attack, which has lead to threats from other cast members to shun Williams altogether unless she drops the lawsuit.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The reunion show is scheduled for filming in May and some of Williams' co-stars have vowed not to attend if she does, insisting that Williams has no right to take legal action because her "Basketball Wives" contract allegedly states that she may be subject to violence.
"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.
Williams alleges that Crooks beat her and caused severe physical and emotional injuries, although some cast members have disputed her claim.
"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.
Viewers of the VH1 reality TV series were shown footage of the attack, which Williams claims left her suffering from a whiplash-like neck injury and post traumatic stress.
"I didn't watch the video for a long time because I lived it. It's disturbing. It's humiliating. I get anxiety just thinking about it," Williams explained.
Williams and Lozada, a 36-year-old mother of one, have been involved in an ongoing dispute which prompted Crooks to get involved and ultimately side with her boss.
"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.
