After being hit by Kanye West’s $10 million lawsuit related to his mental health claim, syndicates of Lloyd’s of London are striking back with a countersuit of their own, claiming that they are not liable.
The celebrity rapper filed a suit against several insurers, claiming that they are stalling on paying out a “multi-million dollar claim” for the concerts West had canceled due to his purported mental issues. According to court documents, West claimed that the insurers pressed him to prove the authenticity of his mental breakdown.
However, court documents filed Tuesday by Lloyd’s syndicates (and obtained by
People Magazine) pointed to a number of insurance policy exclusions relating to a preexisting physical or psychological conditions, possession of illegal drugs, prescription drugs not taken as medically prescribed, and the consumption of alcohol which could render the insured unfit to “perform contracted duties.”
“Underwriters’ investigation indicates substantial irregularities in Mr. West’s medical history,” the documents said. “Furthermore the insured’s failure to cooperate in underwriters’ investigation is contrary to the duties of cooperation VGT agreed to as a condition precedent to any obligation of underwriters to pay any claim arising under the policies.”
The syndicates also claim in the suit that those who were supposed to be privy to West’s mental state appeared to be obstructing investigations into the matter.
“Throughout underwriters’ investigation, VGT and its legal, medical and other agents and representatives have delayed, hindered, stalled and or refused to provide information both relevant and necessary for underwriters to complete their investigation of the claim,” it said.
“Underwriters are informed and believe, and thereon these same persons have willfully concealed and or misrepresented relevant facts in an effort to thwart underwriters’ investigation,” the suit added.
The insurers who filed the suit chose not to reveal what they found during their investigation “in order to protect the privacy of Mr. West from public disclosure of details of his private life.” However, they are seeking declaratory relief that they “have no duty to indemnify” West’s company, Very Good Touring.
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50 Cent on Kanye: He didn’t fake his breakdown
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