Team Roc

Jay-Z’s Team Roc Files Lawsuit Against Kansas City PD Over Alleged Misconduct, Lack of Transparency

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Jay Z posing 1392x884

Jay-Z’s social justice arm, Team Roc, has taken legal action against the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) and the city’s government, accusing them of obstructing efforts to investigate claims of wrongful convictions and police misconduct.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday (November 19), alleges that the KCKPD has failed to comply with a public records request made under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) in November 2023. According to Team Roc, despite paying $2,200 in fees, the department has withheld crucial documents related to allegations of officer abuse and misconduct. The 225 documents provided, the group claims, were mostly irrelevant, consisting of personnel and training records instead of the requested information.

“Kansas City residents have suffered enormously as a result of KCKPD abuses,” the lawsuit states. “Some have been framed for crimes they did not commit; some have been coerced into providing false testimony; some have been sexually assaulted; some have endured brutal beatings; and some have even been killed. Rather than promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, the KCKPD has a long history of turning a blind eye to, at best, and even covering up, if not worse, abusive and/or corrupt conduct by its officers.”

Team Roc has been actively seeking transparency from KCKPD since 2021, previously filing lawsuits to obtain records detailing complaints against officers, as well as documents on the training and oversight of the department’s investigative division. The current lawsuit highlights a systemic pattern of alleged misconduct within the department, including framing individuals, coercing false testimony, sexual violence, excessive force, and even fatal incidents.

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“When good faith efforts are met with bad faith tactics, the fight for transparency continues in court. Truth deserves no less. The people of Kansas City, Kansas, deserve no less,” Team Roc wrote in an Instagram post announcing the lawsuit.

Attorney Alex Spiro, representing Team Roc, emphasized that the organization has a right under KORA to access the requested records, which could shed light on the alleged abuses. However, the government’s resistance has made legal action necessary.

“The government has attempted to block our access to those files, and so we’re suing to see what they don’t want us to see,” Spiro explained.

Team Roc’s lawsuit seeks to compel the release of the withheld documents and to hold the department accountable for its alleged failures in transparency and accountability. This latest legal move underscores their commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for justice in Kansas City.

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Jay-Z And Team Roc Filed A Lawsuit Against The Kansas City Police Alleging ‘Abuse And Misconduct’

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Although Jay-Z is best known for his rhymes and his billionaire ambition, much of his attention in recent years has been focused on a mission of social justice, which he’s pursued through his Team Roc initiative. After a million-dollar investigation into the Kansas City Police Department, Team Roc has now filed a lawsuit against the department, alleging that the KCKPD failed to comply with a public records request issued by Team Roc in November 2023 looking into a “longstanding” pattern of alleged “abuse and misconduct.”

According to Rolling Stone, the lawsuit accuses the KCKPD of “stonewall[ing] plaintiffs for almost a year… Defendants have produced zero documents relating to any complaint or investigation into even a single instance of misconduct by any member of the KCKPD.”

“Kansas City residents have suffered enormously as a result of KCKPD abuses,” the lawsuit reads. “Some have been framed for crimes they did not commit; some have been coerced into providing false testimony; some have been sexually assaulted; some have endured brutal beatings; and some have even been killed. Rather than promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, the KCKPD has a long history of turning a blind eye to, at best, and even covering up, if not worse, abusive and/or corrupt conduct by its officers.”

Team Roc’s lawyers want a court declaration that Kansas City officials “failed to comply” with their records request, and for the request documents to be turned over within 30 days.

‘Exposing Parchman’ Documentary Earns Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Writing

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'Exposing Parchman' Documentary Earns Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Writing

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has announced that A&E Networks’ documentary “Exposing Parchman” has been nominated for the Outstanding Writing: Documentary category at the 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmy® Awards. Produced by Roc Nation, Good Caper Content, and Red Summer TV, the documentary sheds light on the dire conditions of Mississippi’s Parchman Prison.

The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled for September 26 at 7:30 pm ET at the Palladium Times Square in New York City. “Exposing Parchman” will be competing against notable nominees in the Outstanding Writing: Documentary category, including HBO | Max’s “Great Photo, Lovely Life: Facing a Family’s Secrets,” National Geographic’s “Nazis at Nuremberg: The Lost Testimony,” Frontline PBS’s “Netanyahu, America & the Road to War in Gaza,” and Apple TV+’s “The Pigeon Tunnel.”

Directed by Rahman Ali Bugg, “Exposing Parchman” delves into the brutal history of Mississippi’s correctional system and the appalling conditions at Parchman Prison. The documentary highlights Team ROC’s efforts, alongside multiplatinum musician Yo Gotti and several attorneys, to improve conditions and protect the incarcerated population. It features commentary from Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, Yo Gotti, and affected families, offering a rare glimpse into the prison’s interior.

The alarming conditions at Parchman Prison gained national attention in December 2019 after riots led to multiple deaths. Reports revealed inmates lacked access to clean water, adequate food, electricity, heat, healthcare, and other basic needs. These revelations prompted JAY-Z, Yo Gotti, and Team ROC to secure legal representation for over 200 incarcerated men, leading to lawsuits against the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The U.S. Justice Department’s subsequent investigation found the facility violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

“Exposing Parchman” continues to amplify the voices of those affected by the inhumane conditions, striving for justice and reform within the correctional system.

The post ‘Exposing Parchman’ Documentary Earns Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Writing first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Exposing Parchman’ Documentary Earns Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Writing appeared first on The Source.

Jay-Z’s Team Roc Doubles Down On Calls For Kansas City Police Transparency

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Jay-Z’s Team Roc has teamed up with the Midwest Innocence Project to fight for criminal justice reform and they have one specific target. That’s the Kansas City, Kansas police department often shortened as KCKPD. After public callouts from advocates for transparency from the KCKPD following numerous high-profile controversial incidents, Midwest Innocence Project is now taking a more technical approach filing some new paperwork.

According to AllHipHop, they’ve filed a request under the Kansas Open Records Act to try and access numerous internal documents from the department. Included in their request are complaints filed against the police department as well the resulting internal investigations and disciplinary actions. They’re also requesting the results of an FBI investigation into the police department. That comes in line with Team Roc’s request last year that the Department Of Justice open up an investigation into the department.

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Jay-Z Once Again Making Push For Social Justice

Last year, the FBI arrested a former detective from the police department. He was booked on charges related to abuse of power and sex trafficking of underage girls. They also investigated the former police chief of the department Terry Ziegler. Calls from groups like Team Roc and the Midwest Innocence Project have claimed that the corruption and mismanagement of the department goes even deeper than what was already investigated.

Last week, Jay-Z made the headlines when his full interview with Gayle King finally aired. After teaser clips had been circulating, the entire three hour interview aired on TV last Tuesday. After it aired, N.O.R.E said that he wished Jay did the interview with him, Talib Kweli, or Joe Budden. It’s unclear what his exact issues with the interview itself were. In the interview, he also hilariously told a story where one of his teachers was stunned by his reading abilities. What do you think of Team Roc’s new push for transparency in the controversial KCKPD? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Coach K Argues Jeezy Was More Relevant Than Jay-Z At His Peak

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JAY-Z’s Team ROC Enlists Attorney Alex Spiro to Seek Justice for Wrongful Arrest of Jermelle English Jr.

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JAY-Z Becomes First Black Male Artist to Have 10 Albums Go Double-Platinum

Team ROC, the social justice and philanthropic arm of Roc Nation, has taken up the cause of Jermelle English Jr., who was unjustly and forcefully apprehended by the Kenosha Police Department at an Applebee’s in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Attorney Alex Spiro, renowned for representing prominent figures like Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, Elon Musk, Robert Kraft, and Naomi Osaka, will lead the legal effort to clear English’s name and explore potential civil suits against those responsible.

The incident, which unfolded in mid-July, saw Kenosha police officers entering the restaurant in pursuit of hit-and-run suspects. Disturbing video footage shows English Jr. pleading his innocence before multiple officers aggressively subdued him while he held his infant child.

Team ROC Managing Director Dania Diaz condemned the incident, stating, “The reckless arrest of Jermelle English Jr. and the careless endangerment of his infant child by the Kenosha Police Department is an absolute travesty.” The organization is committed to supporting English Jr. and his family, demanding justice, and holding the involved officers accountable.

This incident comes three years after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, a tragic event that further underscored the nationwide issue of police brutality.

Team ROC has a history of advocating for justice, previously organizing rallies and providing legal assistance to those affected by police-related issues, including paying legal fees for peaceful demonstrators arrested during their advocacy for justice in the Alvin Cole case.

The post JAY-Z’s Team ROC Enlists Attorney Alex Spiro to Seek Justice for Wrongful Arrest of Jermelle English Jr. first appeared on The Source.

The post JAY-Z’s Team ROC Enlists Attorney Alex Spiro to Seek Justice for Wrongful Arrest of Jermelle English Jr. appeared first on The Source.

Jay-Z & Team ROC To Defend Man In Court Who Was Wrongfully Arrested

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Protests flared up in Wisconsin after authorities wrongfully and violently arrested the wrong man at an Applebee’s. Moreover, police investigated a hit-and-run and charged Jermelle English Jr. with disorderly conduct and resisting in July, beating him and pepper spraying him in front of his one-year-old child. Though officials know they didn’t get the true criminals, as they discovered the culprits in the restaurant’s bathroom shortly after, they still pressed charges against English. Furthermore, this brought this case to national attention, with many making their voices in support of justice heard. What’s more is that new reports suggest that none other than Jay-Z will try to set the record straight.

Moreover, Hov and his Team ROC organization reportedly moved to defend English in court. Specifically, they hired renowned lawyer Alex Spiro to represent the unjustly convicted man and his family in their legal battle. These reports came from TMZ Hip Hop, and they also suggest that Jay-Z’s team wants to dismiss all charges against English. Not only that, but apparently it’s also possible that the Kenosha Police Department faces a lawsuit from them as a result.

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Jay-Z’s Team ROC To Assist In Outrage-Sparking Wisconsin Case

“The reckless arrest of Jermelle English Jr. and the careless endangerment of his infant child by the Kenosha Police Department is an absolute travesty,” Team ROC’s Managing Director Dania Diaz told the publication. “The Team ROC team is here to support Jermelle and his family through this traumatic experience, demand justice, and hold the Kenosha police officers accountable.” In addition, the Applebee’s in question’s manager might sue. This is because she claimed that higher-ups fired her for making the restaurant “look bad” when it wasn’t her fault at all.

Meanwhile, TMZ Hip Hop also reportedly spoke to Kenosha PD representative Leo Viola, who went into further detail from the police’s perspective. Apparently, officials continue to conduct an internal investigation into the department and this case. Viola clarified that they began the investigation without outside pressure, and that they plan to be as transparent as possible as they discover more. For the latest updates and more news on Jay-Z and Team ROC, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation Raises $20 Million For College Students

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Jay-Z & Yo Gotti Drop Lawsuit Against Mississippi Prison

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During the 2020 quarantine, many activists shifted their attention to the prison system. At the time, Jay-Z’s social justice initiative Team Roc issued several federal lawsuits against the Mississippi State Penitentiary system in Parchman. Inmates complained of inhumane conditions that were shared online. NBC News reported information about “deprivation of medical care,” but that wasn’t all. Rat feces, cockroaches, and bird excrement were reportedly in the food being served.

The lawsuits were reportedly filed “on behalf of over 200” inmates. In an update, Jay and Gotti dropped their suits after the prisons received upgrades in the years that followed.

Read More: JAY-Z, Yo Gotti, And Team ROC Push The DOJ To Investigate Prison For Inhumane Conditions

These upgrades include stainless steel showers, working ambulances, and functioning air conditioning and plumbing systems. Additionally, there will be recreational areas available, mold was removed, and access to updated kitchen areas was improved. However, if things go back to how they were, Team Roc could refile.

“We are pleased with the changes made to date and the improvements in the day to day lives of the guys’ inside,” said attorney Jordan Siev, who works with Team Roc. “But we’re also cognizant of the fact that Parchman has had a long history of lawsuits, improvements and then backsliding conditions.”

“We’re pleased that improvements have been made inside, but we’re also not going to take our foot off the gas.”

Read More: Team Roc Intensifies Its Pressure On The Kansas City Police In New Open Letter

Yo Gotti also released a statement, saying he is glad changes have been made. However, he believes this speaks to a larger issue.

“We’re pleased that Parchman has started to address the cruel and inhumane prison conditions after the Department of Justice’s investigation, but we aren’t satisfied with short-term improvements,” he said.

“The Mississippi Department of Corrections has neglected these torturous living conditions for decades, so we will continue to hold them accountable and ensure they commit to creating long-lasting change that safely protects their incarcerated population.”

Read More: Team ROC Announces United Justice Coalition Summer Summit

Meanwhile, the State Department of Corrections legal department promised to continue efforts to maintain these upgrades.

“We have and will continue to make diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for all individuals in the custody of the MDOC and provide them with opportunities to successfully return to their communities. That is our ongoing commitment.”

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Jay-Z And Yo Gotti’s Team Roc Prison Reform Program Drops Lawsuit Against MS State Prison

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According to recent reports, Team Roc’s attorneys have dropped their lawsuit against the Mississippi State Penitentiary, but they vow to revisit their concerns if the conditions go downhill again.

The Parchman Farm has undergone several renovations since the lawsuit was filed by Team Roc, but the correctional facility is still open even after several fatal stabbings and unsanitary living conditions at the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBC has reported that the Parchman Farm has received new stainless steel showers, toilets and sinks after the previous restrooms were crumbling and littered with rat feces. MSP also now boasts new sports facilities including basketball, flag football and boxing and upgraded heating and air conditioning ventilation systems.

The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, which means that the lawsuit can be refiled at any time. Team Roc recently visited the MSP with a film crew and the footage is scheduled to be turned over to the Justice Department for further review.

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JAY-Z’s Team Roc’s Efforts Leads to Arrest & Indictment of Corrupt Kansas City Officer

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In September 2021, JAY-Z’s Team Roc filed a lawsuit again the Kansas City (Kansas) police department for several allegations of egregious misconduct and corruption, including sexual assault.

One year later, the Department of Justice arrested Roger Golubski, the police officer at the center of the controversy, who had been charged with sexually assaulting victims and may get a life sentence if found guilty.

According to the Department of Justice, Roger Golubski, a former detective with the Kansas City Police Department, is accused of violating federal civil rights laws by sexually assaulting two victims while acting in accordance with the law. A federal grand jury in Topeka, Kansas, produced a six-count indictment, which was unsealed today.

The first three counts of the indictment accuse Golubski of repeatedly assaulting the first victim with sexual acts by digitally penetrating her and compelling her to have oral sex with him in his car, raping her there, and having oral sex with her, compelling her to have oral sex with him, and raping her in and around his car between 1998 and 2001. The other three counts in the indictment accuse Golubski of repeatedly raping the second victim at her house between 1999 and 2002, forcing her to perform oral sex on him in his car, and both forcing her to perform oral sex on him and raping her in the same home. The indictment alleges that Golubski’s conduct included aggravated sexual abuse and kidnapping.

In the original lawsuit, Team ROC noted, “Roger Golubski framed an innocent Black man for homicide that he didn’t commit when his mother refused to engage in further, non-consensual sex acts with him.”

Last year, Team ROC issued an op-ed letter in the Washington Post that called for the Department of Justice to investigate and wrote that “racism and corruption have led to one of the worst examples of abuse of power in U.S. history” and describes how “the abuse appears to be widespread and systematic.”

“We continue to stand in solidarity alongside the people of Kansas City, Kansas who have been patiently for justice and accountability,” said Team ROC Managing Director Dania Diaz. “The arrest of Roger Golubski is a significant step toward creating a safer community and we applaud the Department of Justice for their commitment, diligence and thorough work on this investigation.”

You can read more from the DOJ here.

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Jay-Z And Team Roc Raised $1 Million To Look Into Wrongful Convictions In A Kansas County

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Jay-Z’s continues to fight for social justice and reforms. Towards the end of last year, his Team Roc group covered the legal fees for protestors in Wisconsin. His and Meek Mill’s REFORM Alliance helped bring forth a new California bill that limits probation sentences to one year for misdemeanors and two for felonies. Now Jay-Z and Team Roc helped raise $1 million to investigate wrongful convictions in a Kansas county.

According to the Kansas City Star, Team Roc raised the funds for the Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) to investigate wrongful convictions in Wyandotte County, Kansas. “It’s a huge investment,” MIP’s executive director Tricia Rojo Bushnell said in a statement. “The ability to look at these cases is really going to continue to shine a light on what we need to do to actually provide a just criminal legal system in Wyandotte County.”

So far MIP has received 40 applicants through the initiative. Recently Wyandotte County had to overturn a conviction of one of its inmates a few years ago in a notable case. Lamonte McIntyre, who spent 23 years in prison for two murders he did not commit, was released in October 2017 after evidence surfaced of widespread misconduct that led to his undeserved conviction.