Lloyd’s syndicates counter Kanye West $10m lawsuit claims

Lloyd’s syndicates facing a $10 million  lawsuit by US rapper Kanye West over a cancelled tour have countered his claims they believe are invalid.

At the beginning of August, West filed a lawsuit against a group of Lloyd’s syndicates including Cathedral, Liberty, XL Catlin, Markel and Allianz.

West allegedly claims that the syndicates are stalling on paying out claims emanating from the cancellation of his Saint Pablo Tour.

Following Kanye West’s reported illness and admission to UCLA Medical Center, West’s touring company Very Good Touring (VGT) made a claim for benefits under the policies. West was hospitalized at UCLA for approximately a week after his admission.

Underwriters thereafter engaged in a series of communications with the insured’s representatives and obtained documentation and other information with respect to the claim. Based upon the results of that investigation to date, Underwriters are informed and believe that coverage is likely precluded under the policies.

Underwriters’ investigation indicates substantial irregularities in Mr. West’s medical history, according to a court filing.

The claim made by VGT relates to the November 2016 cancellation of 21 performance dates of Kanye West’s “Saint Pablo” tour.

As is pertinent to this dispute, the policies exclude coverage as follows: “This Insurance does not cover any loss directly or indirectly arising out of, contributed to by, or resulting from: … 8.3 the non-appearance at an Insured Event of any Insured Person due to: … (8.3.7) the possession or use of illegal drugs by an Insured Person, (8.3.8) the effects on an Insured Person of prescription drugs when not taken as medically prescribed, (8.3.9) the consumption of alcohol which renders and Insured Person(s) unfit to perform contracted duties. 8.4 the Insured’s or any Insured Person’s lack of care, diligence or prudent behaviour, the result of which would increase the risk, and/or likelihood of a loss, hereunder.”

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