BBC: The former manager of US R&B star Ashanti is suing her for millions of dollars for breach of contract.
Linda Berk claimed her contract was cut short in 2003 after she had helped to make the 25-year-old singer "a music and entertainment superstar".
"The contract expired naturally and we didn't renew it," said a spokesperson for the performer.
Ashanti, whose full name is Ashanti Douglas, has scored top ten hits in the UK with the singles Only U and Foolish. She has been particularly successful in the US, where her debut album, Ashanti, won a Grammy for best contemporary R&B album.
The singer has also achieved success in Hollywood, starring alongside Samuel L Jackson in last year's hit film Coach Carter.
More...
»
