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Aaliyah's Death

Aaliyah Cousin Blamed For Death In Lawsuit Seeking 8-Figure Sum in Fight With Father

By TMZ Staff
Published | Updated
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Aaliyah’s family fight over music royalties has heated up … with the late singer's cousin -- who was blamed for her death by her uncle -- seeking a $20 million payout in their ongoing litigation ... TMZ has learned.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Jomo Hankerson, the late singer’s cousin, believes his father, Barry Hankerson, owes him the 8-figure sum over Aaliyah and other artists’ music.

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In a letter between the lawyers about the ongoing dispute, reps for Jomo revealed he would settle his claims if he received $20 million.

Aaliyah Uncle Blames Singer’s Cousin For Tragic Fatal Plane Crash

By TMZ Staff
Published | Updated
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Aaliyah's uncle claims his son is partly to blame for the late singer's death ... lobbing the bombshell allegation as the two fight over money in court.

TMZ obtained a lawsuit filed by Jomo Hankerson against Barry Hankerson and his record label Blackground Records. Barry is Aaliyah's uncle and longtime manager. Jomo is Barry's son and Aaliyah's cousin.

In the docs, Barry claims Aaliyah's cousin was paid to coordinate travel for her music video shoot in the Bahamas ... referring to the fateful August 2001 trip where she died in a plane crash.

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Aaliyah's uncle says his son "failed in his responsibility" to handle travel plans ... and she instead took a private jet that crashed and killed everyone onboard.