It’s a tough situation for R&B singer Aaron Hall. He’s now facing a default judgment in a lawsuit alleging sexual assault. This comes after a lengthy legal battle to even get him served with the initial papers. Let’s break down what happened.
The Allegations and the Search for Hall
The lawsuit was filed by Liza Gardner, who claims that Aaron Hall and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sexually assaulted her back in 1990. According to court documents, Gardner was just 16 years old at the time of the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred after an event connected to MCA Records.
Finding Aaron Hall to officially notify him of the lawsuit proved to be a significant challenge. Gardner’s attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, reportedly spent over a year trying to locate Hall. This extensive search involved various methods, including newspaper notices, private investigators, and multiple attempts at different known addresses.
The Confrontation and Refusal of Service
Finally, on February 2nd, Hall was located at an Extended Stay America hotel in Alpharetta, Georgia. However, when a process server attempted to hand him the legal documents, Hall allegedly refused to accept them. Court filings indicate Hall’s response was, ‘I ain’t doing that,’ before he attempted to close the door.
Despite Hall’s attempt to shut the door, the server managed to leave the papers at his feet, which legally constitutes proper service. This crucial step in the legal process was completed, setting the stage for Hall’s required response.
Default Judgment Granted
The clock started ticking after the service was completed. Hall had 21 days to file a formal response with the court. Unfortunately for him, he failed to do so, and he also did not appear in court for any proceedings. This lack of participation had significant legal consequences.
As a result, on April 1st, a federal judge granted Liza Gardner’s request for a default judgment. This means the court has essentially ruled in Gardner’s favor because Hall did not defend himself against the allegations. The case will now move to a separate hearing to determine the amount of damages Hall might be ordered to pay.
This situation underscores the importance of responding to legal notices promptly. Failing to engage with the court process can lead to unfavorable outcomes, as Aaron Hall is now experiencing.
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