DMX’s Ex-Wife Loses Legal Battle With Rapper’s Estate Over His Catalog

DMX‘s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, has lost her legal battle with the late rapper’s estate over claims she owned half of the rights to his catalog.

Simmons, who was married to X for 16 years, sued his estate last year, alleging that she was the rightful owner of 50 percent of his copyrights, trademarks and likeness rights.

Delivering his verdict on Monday (April 7), Judge David F. Everett ruled against Simmons, according to Billboard.

He said: “The estate is the sole owner of all intellectual property rights [that] Earl Simmons acquired during his marriage to plaintiff, as well as any and all other trademarks and intellectual property rights that belonged to Earl Simmons at the time of his death.”

X and Simmons divorced in 2016. Their separation agreement made reference to “intellectual property” but was ambiguous around whether she was actually the co-owner of the rap legend’s various assets.

Before he died in 2021, DMX claimed that the agreement only related to royalties.

In his ruling, Judge Everett also claimed that Simmons had previously waived her right to make a claim against the estate due to a settlement she agreed in previous legal proceedings.

Simmons’ attorneys criticized the ruling and said the judge “ignores long standing legal principles and voids significant benefits to which Ms. Simmons and her children were and should be entitled.”

They continued: “While we appreciate the court’s time and attention in coming to this decision, to say that Ms. Simmons and her children are disappointed would be a gross understatement.

“Obviously we disagree with the court’s interpretation of the plain language of the document in question, and it seems that the judge’s ruling does not consider the parties’ intent as evidenced by their conduct.”

Simmons is also said to be considering an appeal to the verdict.

DMX’s estate, which is overseen by his former fiancée Desiree Lindstrom and one of his daughters Sasha, celebrated the ruling, saying it “ensures the preservation of DMX’s legacy.”

Simmons did score a win, however, on a separate issue of X owing her a large amount of money in child support at the time of his death in April 2021.

The Ruff Ryders rapper allegedly breached their divorce agreement by failing to pay $214,000 in child support, a fact that is disputed by the estate.