"The Carter"

Lil’ Wayne’s attempt to block Quincy Jones and Jones’ production company from releasing the 2009 documentary “The Carter” has been rejected. Lil Wayne sued Quincy Jones and QD3 Entertainment seeking an injunction from the Los Angeles Superior Court on March 23, 2009 asking the Court to enjoin the release of The Carter by alleging Breach of Contract, Fraud by Intentional Misrepresentation, Constructive Fraud and Invasion of Privacy.

Lil Wayne’s lawsuit arises from presentation of “The Carter” at this year’s Sundance Film Festival in January 2009, with plans for nationwide theatrical release of the documentary to follow this year. The documentary was shot over several months in 2008 and brings the audience into the controversial rappers life through concert and studio footage, interviews and behind-the-scenes access originally granted by Lil Wayne.

The complaint states that in 2007, Lil Wayne was approached about the documentary, which QD3 claimed would offer an “in-depth look at the artist Dwayne ‘Lil Wayne’ Carter, Jr., proclaimed by many as the ‘greatest rapper.’” In December 2007, Lil Wayne signed an agreement which provided that Lil Wayne would make himself broadly available for the ninety-minute documentary and make photos and videos from his personal archives available to the producers. The agreement also specified, according to the complaint, that Lil Wayne would be given the “sole right of final approval” of any scenes that portrayed his actions or activities as criminal in nature.

Prior to its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, in December 2008 and early January 2009, copies of the nearly complete documentary were submitted to Lil Wayne’s manager, who rejected portions of the footage, asking that certain questionable content, which management felt painted Lil Wayne in a negative light, be removed from the film. Lil Wayne’s manager also went on to demand, in writing, that the film not be showcased at Sundance, unless the scenes in question were removed.

Despite this request, the film debuted at the 2009 Sundance Festival with the questionable scenes intact. The Carter screened January 17, 19, 21 and 23, despite requests submitted by Lil Wayne’s management that the film be pulled. Lil Wayne’s management, in seeking the injunction against nationwide release, believes that The Carter would cause irreparable damage to Lil Wayne’s reputation and career.

On Wednesday April 22, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Mink refused to grant an injunction blocking the upcoming release of The Carter. Quincy Jones stated in Variety Magazine that “We’re very pleased with the court’s decision. . . . We made a great film, which was incredibly well received at Sundance, and showcases Lil Wayne's extraordinary talent.” The Carter, which was directed by Adam Bhala Lough, has no scheduled theatrical release date as of this time.