A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Lil Peep's Mother Has Been Settled With Label
On November 15, 2017, Gustav Elijah Åhr, better known by his stage name Lil Peep, passed away due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and Xanax. Lil Peep was only 21 years old and had a promising career ahead of him in the music industry. His untimely death was a shock to his fans, friends, and family, but it also sparked a legal battle over his death.
Recently, Lil Peep's mother, Liza Womack, won a wrongful death lawsuit against First Access Entertainment, the talent management company that represented Lil Peep. The lawsuit alleged that First Access Entertainment enabled and contributed to Lil Peep's drug addiction, ultimately leading to his death.
The lawsuit claimed that First Access Entertainment's staff members, specifically CEO Sarah Stennett and talent manager Bryant Ortega, knew about Lil Peep's drug use but did nothing to stop it. The lawsuit also claimed that the company provided Lil Peep with drugs, pressured him to go on tour even though he was in poor health, and ignored his cries for help.
After a two-week trial, a jury awarded Womack over $4.8 million in damages. In a statement after the verdict, Womack said, "Nothing will ever bring my son back, but justice has been served today, and I hope that this verdict sends a message to the music industry that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated."
This verdict is significant not only for Lil Peep's family but also for the music industry as a whole. It sheds light on the often-unspoken pressures and dangers that young artists face in the industry, including drug addiction and mental health issues. It also holds management companies accountable for their role in enabling and contributing to the death of artists under their representation.
The verdict in Lil Peep's case serves as a warning to other management companies to prioritize the health and well-being of their artists over financial gain. It also highlights the importance of mental health resources and support for artists in the music industry, particularly those who are dealing with addiction and other mental health issues.
In conclusion, Lil Peep's mother winning the wrongful death lawsuit against First Access Entertainment is a significant moment for the music industry. It is a reminder that artists' health and well-being should be a top priority and that management companies must be held accountable for their role in enabling and contributing to their clients' addictions. It is a small but important step in the ongoing effort to make the music industry a safer and healthier place for artists to thrive.