Beyoncé is being subpoenaed by a Shelter Island resident in a legal battle over her ‘Black Is King’ visual album.
via Page Six:
Mike Gaynor, who owns a horse farm on the island, launched legal action against the local town council for allegedly allowing the superstar to shoot a video at a historical site in return for what he alleges was a “substantial fee” — and allegedly without having to obtain the proper permits.
Gaynor claims in court papers that neither Beyoncé nor Disney got permits for the shoot at Sylvester Manor, the former home of slave trader Nathaniel Sylvester. Gaynor owns a neighboring property.
Gaynor said, “I’m a very wealthy person, and I’m able to defend myself when I’m treated unfairly in my community. What we find so beautiful about Shelter Island is its historical nature, it’s a very simple place, untouched, but increasingly the fact is that if you’re wealthy on the island you’ll be treated one way, and it’s different for everyone else.”
Another local told us, “The residents here are sick of the town board. We think they give favors to elites like Beyoncé. They don’t care about the Ambulance Corps or the Meals on Wheels programs — they’re only for rich people.”
Gaynor’s court filing claims: “The farm was paid a substantial fee for the Filming and was required to sign non-disclosure agreements assuring its secrecy.”
He attempted to serve the subpoena to Bey at her East Hampton mansion, but the court docs state: “It has now been over a month since Beyoncé was served with the Subpoena, and she has not objected to any of the Subpoena .?.?. nor has she provided any justification for her failure to respond.”
The filing adds: “This Court should compel Beyoncé to comply .?.?. within 14 days issuing a warrant for a Sheriff to bring her to be deposed — or order her to pay costs, penalties, and damages.”
Disney has said the company had no input on the location and bought the project from Bey, whose reps didn’t comment.
It wouldn’t be a Beyoncé project without someone trying to sue someone else for…anything, really.
