The Associated Press is reporting that St. Louis’ own Nelly has reached an out-of-court settlement with a freelance photographer whom claims that the rapper’s bodyguards assaulted him.
Nelly agreed to pay $20,000 to settle the claim by Jerry Livingston, who was taking photos of the April 12, 2005, concert, said the plaintiff’s lawyer Mark Arons.
Arons contends that Livingston was dragged to the side of the stage, thrown on the ground and pummeled because it was believed that he was videotaping the event. He said Livingston sprained his knee and had neck and back pain.
The case had been headed for a civil trial when the two sides reached the settlement, which included no admission of guilt on Nelly ‘s part, Arons said. He said Nelly ‘s security company will pay Livingston $3,000.
Nelly ‘s attorney did not return calls for comment.
While this case never reached trial, Nelly will most likely be called to testify again because Livingston has lawsuits pending against the city of Bridgeport, Conn., the Arena at Harbor Yard, where the concert took place, and the company that manages the arena.
