The case between Pebbles Reid and Viacom over VH1’s “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story” has been settled.
If you recall, Pebbles, TLC’s former manager, sued the media company for $40 million in 2014 and claimed the movie portrayed her “as a conniving and dishonest business woman who hoodwinked three innocent girls and exploited their talent for her own personal gain.”
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Pebbles also said Viacom “ignored fundamental canons of journalistic and literary conduct by publishing false and defamatory accusations with actual malice.”
Plus, the former R&B star claimed contrary to what was shown in the movie, she never controlled TLC’s accounts or lawyers and was always upfront with the group about the terms of their contract.
In 2016 Viacom tried to get the defamation suit thrown out, because they claimed there was no malice against Pebbles and the story was based on the information given to them by surviving members Tionne “T Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
But the singers being heavily involved in the making of the film ended up hurting Viacom, said Judge Mark Cohen, since there was a huge chance for bias.
As of now, the details surrounding the settlement haven’t been revealed, but it’s now officially closed.
“The parties have notified the court that a resolution has been reached,” a document read. “The court hereby directs the clerk to administratively close this case. The parties shall file a stipulation of dismissal upon finalization of the settlement documents.”
In the mid-1990s, TLC sued LaFace Records and Pebbitone management company after they sold 11 million albums, then filed for bankruptcy. In their suit, the group claimed they were only paid $50,000 in the years of 1993 and 1994.
“Perri, Congratulations. You’ve got justice,” one of Pebbles’ followers tweeted. “And the fact that Viacom wanted to settle shows that they know you were portrayed in the movie in a way which is not the way things really went while you were working with TLC. So I hope this will clear your name and reputation.”
TLC has yet to comment, and Viacom refused to make a statement.
