Ashanti targeted in breach-of-contract suit

The former manager of R&B star Ashanti is suing her for millions of dollars for breach of contract.

Linda Berk claimed her contract was cut short in 2003 after she had helped to make the 25-year-old singer "a music and entertainment superstar".

"The contract expired naturally and we didn't renew it," said a spokesperson for the performer.

Last year, Ashanti was ordered to pay $630,000 (€493,000) to her first producer in a separate trial for breach of contract. The producer, Genard Parker, began working with Ashanti before she landed a recording contract. The work was done on the condition he could produce two songs for her debut album, which was not honoured.

At the time, Ashanti's lawyer said she would appeal the verdict.