Kirk Franklin Responds To Lawsuit Filed By Members Of `The Family' Group

Jet, June 19, 2000

Gospel sensation Kirk Franklin says he trusts that God will use a recent lawsuit filed against him, his management and record company "for His glory."

Franklin said in a brief statement: "I regret that gospel music has to face this type of tragedy. But I trust that God will use it for His glory."

At issue is a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by five of seven people who performed in the famed gospel group, Kirk Franklin and The Family, and who signed a recording contract with Gospo Centric Records (JET, May 29).

The lawsuit charges fraud and conflict of interest and alleges that Franklin knowingly conspired with his manager Gerald Wright to create an album project that allowed him (Franklin) to keep royalties and not share them with The Family. Wright also managed The Family and is being sued for conflict of interest.

Franklin is also being sued for trade name infringement for allegedly using The Family's name in promoting a fast-food franchise that he owns in Dallas.

Vicki Mack Lataillade, founder of Gospo Centric Records, which is named in the lawsuit, said in a press statement: "It's very disappointing to help people and give opportunities and then be sued. Our work in promoting the gospel message is too important for our limited resources to be wasted this way...."

Attorney Peter Haviland of Aiken, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP in Los Angeles, defense counsel for Gospo Centric Records, said in a press release: "I have never seen a more frivolous lawsuit. These individuals don't represent The Family--we understand that other members want absolutely nothing to do with this suit. We have also been told that some of the individuals supposedly suing do not even want their names on this complaint and are trying to withdraw."