Ex-Eminem schoolmate sues over song

A former schoolmate of Eminem, who is suing the rapper for $1m (€850,000), is scheduled to have his case go to trial this month, despite the withdrawal of the plaintiff’s lawyer.

DeAngelo Bailey of Roseville, Detroit sued Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers III, in 2001. He claimed Eminem’s song Brain Damage, which named Bailey as an abusive bully, damaged his reputation and his own ability to launch a music career.

Bailey’s solicitor, John Chupa, this week asked to be removed from the case, apparently because of a breakdown in communications with his client.

Macomb County Circuit Judge Deborah Servitto granted the request and said the trial was still set for May 30.

Eminem’s mother sued the Roseville school district in 1982, claiming school-day beatings left her son with headaches, nausea and a tendency toward anti-social behaviour. The case was dismissed.