Ice Spice is set to sit for a deposition in September 2026 as part of an ongoing breach of contract lawsuit filed by Thee Bella Brand LLC. The company alleges the rapper failed to pay for 25 custom-made wigs and subsequently disparaged the brand on social media, seeking over $400,000 in damages.
The Legal Battle Over Custom Wigs
The legal dispute between the rapper, whose legal name is Isis Gaston, and Thee Bella Brand LLC began in 2025. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the core of the conflict involves an agreement for 25 custom-made wigs. The company claims that Gaston agreed to purchase the items for approximately $20,000 but ultimately failed to pay for or accept delivery of the goods.
The situation escalated beyond a simple payment dispute when the brand alleged that Gaston and her team tarnished the reputation of the business and its creator, Alexis, on social media. The lawsuit asserts that these online comments caused significant financial harm, including the temporary loss of a repeat celebrity client. As reported by HipHopWired, the company is now pursuing more than $400,000 in both compensatory and punitive damages.
The filing, submitted to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, outlines specific grievances regarding the alleged disparagement. Thee Bella Brand LLC claims that following the disagreement over the invoice, social media posts originating from or associated with Gaston’s professional circle caused a measurable dip in the company’s engagement metrics and client acquisition rates. The plaintiff argues that the defendant’s influence in the music industry—specifically her rise to prominence following her 2023 debut EP Like..?—amplified the reach of these alleged defamatory statements, thereby exacerbating the economic fallout for the boutique wig styling business.
Deposition Schedule and Court Deadlines
The case is now entering a more rigorous phase of litigation. While legal counsel for the brand previously indicated that a deposition could occur as early as late April, the latest filings confirm that Gaston is scheduled to provide testimony under oath in Manhattan this September. This development marks a transition from initial filings to the active gathering of evidence.
The court has also established a structured timeline to move the proceedings toward a potential resolution.
- September 2026: Deposition of Ice Spice in Manhattan.
- September and December 2026: Additional court conferences, including a settlement conference.
- January 2027: Final deadline for the discovery phase.
As reported by PowerHits95, the upcoming settlement conference represents a critical opportunity for both parties to resolve the dispute before it proceeds to a full trial. While the court has scheduled these sessions, the timeline remains subject to change should scheduling conflicts arise for either party. The discovery phase, which concludes in early 2027, will require both parties to produce internal communications, including emails and direct messages exchanged between Gaston’s management team and the wig supplier during the initial procurement phase in 2024.
The Manhattan court system’s docket reflects a high volume of activity regarding the motion to compel the deposition. Justice presiding over the matter granted the request after the plaintiff’s counsel argued that Gaston’s testimony is essential to verify the chain of communication regarding the wig order. The defense had previously sought to delay the deposition, citing touring commitments and promotional obligations surrounding the artist’s recent studio projects, but the court’s scheduling order for September now takes precedence.
Counsel Statements and Public Response
The company’s attorney, Justin Mungai of ChaudhryLaw, has taken a firm stance regarding the litigation and the rapper’s alleged conduct.
“This is what entitlement looks like. Fame is not immunity from the law. Ice Spice will be held accountable.”
Justin Mungai, attorney for Thee Bella Brand LLC
Gaston has consistently denied the allegations since the suit was first filed in 2025. When reached for comment regarding the latest court developments, the artist did not provide a response. The case continues to move through the Manhattan court system as both sides prepare for the upcoming depositions and the potential for a negotiated settlement later this year. Representatives for the artist, including her booking agency and public relations firm, have maintained a policy of not commenting on pending litigation, leaving the public-facing narrative dominated by the plaintiff’s filings.
Industry observers note that the outcome of this case could have implications for how high-profile artists manage vendor relationships for bespoke professional services. The $400,000 figure, which significantly exceeds the initial $20,000 value of the goods in question, is calculated based on projected lost revenue and brand damage assessments provided by the plaintiff’s expert witnesses. As the September date approaches, the legal teams are expected to finalize their witness lists and prepare for the cross-examination of the primary parties involved in the 2024 transaction. Should the settlement conference in December prove unsuccessful, the case will proceed toward a jury selection process, marking a rare high-stakes courtroom appearance for the “Munch” performer.
