Aaliyah’s uncle has dragged his own son into a shocking new claim about the American singer’s death.
Barry Hankerson accuses his son, Jomo Hankerson, of failing to properly arrange Aaliyah’s travel before the plane crash that killed her in 2001.
Barry made the allegation in a countersuit against Jomo, who sued his father over money and music rights linked to Aaliyah and other artists.
According to his filing, Jomo received payment to accompany Aaliyah and coordinate her travel for the “Rock the Boat” video shoot in the Bahamas but failed to do so.
He failed in his responsibility.
The allegation becomes even more explosive because Barry claims Jomo’s failure may have affected the choice of aircraft Aaliyah and her team used for their return flight.
The fatal crash may have been avoided had [Jomo] followed through on his compensated task of travel coordination.
Aaliyah died at 22 on August 25, 2001, when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the Bahamas. All nine people aboard died.
The claim has surfaced more than two decades later because of a bitter legal fight between Barry and Jomo.
Jomo says a settlement gives him a share of money generated from music assets connected to Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, DMX, and Timbaland. He is seeking more than $1.2 million.
Barry disputes those claims and has fired back with allegations of his own, including a claim that Jomo threatened to release unreleased Aaliyah recordings during the dispute.
Jomo denies the allegations.
The explosive accusations remain part of an ongoing court battle and have not been established as facts.