Aaliyah's Cousin Seeks $20 Million in Family Royalties Dispute

A bitter family dispute over music royalties has escalated with Jomo Hankerson demanding $20 million from his father in a lawsuit involving the estate of his late cousin, the singer Aaliyah, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

The eight-figure settlement demand emerged in correspondence between attorneys representing both sides of the ongoing litigation. Jomo Hankerson contends his father, Barry Hankerson, owes him the substantial sum related to royalties from Aaliyah's music catalog and recordings by other artists.

In a letter between lawyers handling the dispute, representatives for Jomo Hankerson indicated he would resolve his claims in exchange for the $20 million payment. The correspondence further stated that if Barry Hankerson considered the demand excessive, he should produce financial records pertaining to the music rights at the center of the case.

The legal battle began earlier this year when Jomo Hankerson filed suit against his father seeking compensation he maintains is owed to him. Barry Hankerson responded with a countersuit alleging his son failed to fulfill his professional responsibilities and is entitled to nothing.

The countersuit contains particularly grave accusations regarding Aaliyah's death in a plane crash. According to the filing, Barry Hankerson claimed Jomo Hankerson was supposed to be in charge of arranging the singer's travel for a music video shoot in the Bahamas. Barry Hankerson alleged his son did not properly handle the travel arrangements, resulting in Aaliyah boarding the flight that crashed on the return trip.

Barry Hankerson stated in court filings that his relationship with his son was permanently damaged following the tragedy. The assertion that Jomo Hankerson bears responsibility for the fatal travel arrangements represents one of the most serious allegations in the family's legal conflict.

The case remains active in court, with no resolution announced as of Monday, August 31, 2026. The dispute highlights the complex intersection of family relationships and business interests in the music industry, particularly when substantial royalty streams are involved.

The litigation centers on financial matters related to Aaliyah's music as well as recordings by other artists connected to Barry Hankerson's business ventures. The exact nature of Jomo Hankerson's claimed entitlement to these royalties has not been fully detailed in public court filings.