Tyrese Gibson’s Company Files $1M Suit Against Teddy Pendergrass’ Widow Over The Rights To Teddy’s Biopic

Tyrese Gibson’s Company Files $1M Suit Against Teddy Pendergrass’ Widow Over The Rights To Teddy’s Biopic

Tyrese is involved in another legal battle…but this time it’s dealing with the widow of Teddy Pendergrass. The actor is trying to do a biopic on the late R&B singer but claims his widow, Joan Pendergrass, switched up on him and won’t grant him the rights. The actor had previously said in a Facebook post, back in 2017, that she had given him the approval.

“I own the life rights to the Teddy Pendergrass story,” Tyrese said.

“He embraced me and told me and his wife Joan Pendergrass and his beloved family that “No one will tell my story of my life but you”….. I trust you and feel like you will do right by me and my story……//. I’m still to this day so moved by the gesture that I won’t rest until it’s done….. As he laid to rest in this casket I committed then and I’m still committed now to telling his story……. The life story of Teddy Pendergrass coming soon……. in Jesus name amen!!!!!!!!!!”

 

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In the documents obtained by TMZ, Tyrese claims that his company locked in the rights to Teddy’s life story back in 2011, with Joan’s approval.

‘Tyrese says Joan would give him the rights to a book and movie about Teddy in exchange for Tyrese’s company agreeing to invest in the projects and use his celeb status to promote them and Teddy’s legacy.’

Apparently, Joan switched up in 2022 and decided she didn’t want to give Tyrese the rights to Teddy’s life story.

Tyrese claims his company already put out $450k towards the project. He says her not keeping up with her end of the deal has caused his production company to suffer financially. He’s suing her ‘in her individual capacity and as executor of Teddy’s estate for at least $1 million in damages.’