Frank Ocean Sued By His Father Over Defamation

Photo credit: Marissa Rose Ficara

As an artist, much of what they do is inspired by their actual life and according to PITCHFORK Frank Ocean is now dealing with the repercussions of art inspired by life.  Frank Ocean has been hit with a lawsuit from his father, Calvin Cooksey. Cooksey’s lawsuit comes from Frank Ocean posting a note on his Tumblr account after the Orlando nightclub shooting where people were targeted because of their sexual orientation. Frank Ocean, who came out as gay when his first album was released, felt moved to the point where he posted a note to Tumblr reflecting on his childhood.

He wrote, “I was six years old when I heard my dad call our transgender waitress a faggot as he dragged me out a neighborhood diner saying we wouldn’t be served because she was dirty,” he continues, “That was the last afternoon I saw my father and the first time I heard that word, I think, although it wouldn’t shock me if it wasn’t.

Cooksey says that the story is untrue and has “damaged his financial opportunities in film and music” He is suining for $14.5 million in damages. This is not the first time Ocean’s father has sues someone in the music industry. He sued hip-hop legend Russell Simmons for much more over a defamation claim.

Towards the end of 2016 Frank Ocean released his new album Blonde and it received rave reviews  but was unable to be nominated at the Grammy’s due to technicality. 

Frank Ocean can be seen performing at the Sasquatch Festival in Washington on May 26th-28th.