Rapper Sexyy Red is at the center of a legal storm after being accused of inciting violence against Nicole Barnes, the paternal grandmother of one of her children. On March 25, 2025, Barnes filed a $5 million lawsuit against the hip-hop star, alleging that Sexyy Red exposed her home address on social media and encouraged fans to attack her.
Allegations of Social Media Incitement
According to court documents, Sexyy Red — whose real name is Janae Wherry — allegedly posted Barnes’ Hazelwood, Missouri, address and photo on Facebook. The lawsuit claims that the rapper’s post went beyond public criticism and directly incited her followers to “kick in the door” and harm Barnes.
The incident allegedly occurred on December 3, 2024, leading to severe emotional and psychological distress for Barnes. In her complaint, she described feeling “terrified for her life” and claimed she was forced to leave her home and seek counseling to cope with the trauma.
Legal Claims and Response
Barnes is suing Sexyy Red for:
• Assault
• Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
• Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
Her attorney, Steven Weaver, condemned the rapper’s alleged actions, stating:
“Sexyy Red and her baby daddy are getting into beefs, for whatever reason, that have nothing to do with my client. My client should not be living in fear because of it.”
The legal documents also reveal that Barnes initially attempted to resolve the issue informally, but Sexyy Red’s legal team reportedly dismissed the concerns, labeling them as a “joke.” After failing to reach a settlement, Barnes pursued the lawsuit in court.
Sexyy Red’s Silence and Public Reaction
Despite the serious accusations, Sexyy Red has not yet addressed the lawsuit publicly. Her social media activity remains focused on promoting her music and sharing personal updates.
Fans and critics have been divided in their reactions. Some argue that celebrities should be held accountable for their actions online, particularly when their platforms are used to spread harmful messages. Others, however, believe that the lawsuit may be a money grab or an overreaction to a post made in the heat of the moment.
A viral tweet by @mymixtapez summed up the mixed reactions:
“Sexyy Red getting sued for $5M is WILD. If true, she took the internet beef too far.”
Potential Legal Implications
If the case goes to court, it could set a significant legal precedent regarding social media responsibility and incitement of violence. Courts may examine whether Sexyy Red’s post directly endangered Barnes and if her intent was to encourage harm.
For now, the spotlight remains on how Sexyy Red and her legal team will respond. Whether they choose to settle or fight the claims in court, the outcome will likely reverberate through the entertainment world, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless online behavior.
