Mary J. Blige Faces $5 Million Lawsuit From Ex-Stylist Misa Hylton

Once close friends, stylist Misa Hylton and music icon Mary J. Blige are now on opposite sides of a courtroom.

Hylton, a legendary fashion figure known for styling some of hip hop’s biggest stars, has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Mary J. Blige, accusing her of trying to sabotage her business relationship with rapper Vado.

According to court documents shared by AllHipHop, Hylton claims that Mary J. Blige used her influence to pressure Vado—who signed with Hylton’s management company, M.I.S.A Management in July 2023—to break their contract. The contract would have entitled Hylton’s agency to 20% of the rapper’s earnings.

But things took a turn when Vado later signed with Blige’s company, Beautiful Life Productions, just a few months later in October 2023. Hylton says Mary J. Blige didn’t just poach the artist—she allegedly told him she wouldn’t release his album or allow him to tour as long as he remained with M.I.S.A.

The documents describe a series of private yacht outings, exclusive events, and hotel meetings where Blige reportedly urged Vado to ditch Hylton’s team. Hylton also claims that Blige’s head of security—described in the filing as her boyfriend—tried to recruit Vado himself and told him he’d miss out on bigger opportunities if he stayed with M.I.S.A.

For Hylton, the consequences have been both personal and professional. She says the situation left Vado unable to earn money or pay back advances from his record deal—trapping him in what she described as “economic servitude.” The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, contract breach, and interference with business.

The legal fallout comes despite years of friendship and collaboration between the two women, who were once seen courtside at NBA games and fashion shows together. Now, they’re on opposite ends of a dispute that’s as much about business as it is about trust.

Blige has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit.