A new lawsuit accuses Lil Kim of breaching an oral contract, unjust enrichment, fraud, and violating general business laws by not attending the Toronto festival.
Remo Palladini, promoter of the “Hot In Toronto” festival, filed an $82,000 lawsuit on August 28 against the Hardcore creator, claiming that she accepted payment for a concert appearance but failed to deliver.
Palladini, who has successfully run the Vaughan Pizza Fest for the past decade, including presiding over the creation of the world’s longest calzone, sought to replicate his success with the 2024 “Hot in Toronto” festival. The event, following the success of the 2023 “Hot in Herre” festival featuring stars like Nelly, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Ja Rule, promised an even more spectacular lineup.
According to the lawsuit, Palladini began planning in early 2024 by contacting a middleman to secure a roster of artists for the festival. The middleman assured him that they would secure top talent, including Lil’ Kim, and would serve as an escrow agent for all deposits.
Lil’ Kim, it was agreed, would also promote the event on social media. However, the lawsuit claims she never signed the contract Palladini sent her, and no formal agreement was ever finalized. Despite this, on February 13, 2024, Palladini wired $82,500 in good faith, trusting in past experiences.
It appears that the hip-hop legend has a troubled history with concert appearances. Allegations of her ghosting on scheduled performances date back years.
In 2014, she reportedly accepted $23,000 for a show and meet-and-greet in Florida but failed to appear. In 2009, a British club promoter sued her for bailing on an event after pocketing $20,000. In 2013, disappointed London fans lashed out when she canceled a show, citing “circumstances out of my control.”
Similar accusations arose from an upstate New York promoter, who claimed she backed out of a concert after receiving a $5,000 deposit, and from organizers of the 2016 Essence Festival, who said she canceled due to “unfulfilled business obligations.”
Lil Kim, her attorney, and management have not commented on the lawsuit at press time.