Azealia Banks sends Matty Healy cease-and-desist in Twitter feud

Rapper Azealia Banks is demanding $1 million and a public apology from 1975 frontman Matty Healy amid their recent social media squabble. The letter that Banks’ lawyer Wallace Collins sent requests that Healy refrain “from making further threats or defamatory statements” against the rapper, in addition to the requests for “compensation for damages in the amount of $1,000,000 in full settlement of this matter” and a “prompt public apology.” Banks’ cease-and-desist continues: “If we cannot resolve this satisfactorily and expeditiously without Court intervention, then my client will be forced to commence legal action immediately and seek substantial monetary damages as well as legal fees and appropriate injunctive relief.” A representative for Healy did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for comment. The friction between the musicians began after Banks shared her two cents on the appearance of “Brat” pop diva Charli XCX, who is engaged to Healy’s 1975 bandmate George Daniel. Banks did just that and Healy responded with a tweet threatening to slap her “so hard.” Healy seemingly backed down, apologizing in since-deleted tweets for his posts about violence against Banks. In the cease-and-desist letter, Collins condemns Healy’s social media “attacks” on his client, the singer’s use of “racial epithets” and his “recent threats of physical violence.” Banks’ attorney added that Healy deleting his tweets — including his apology — “does not undo the damage, but rather constitutes evidence of an admission of guilt by you.” Collins, who also accused Healy of “slander, libel and business defamation” against his client, voiced concern that the singer’s fans “may be incited to act upon your posts and commit an act of violence” against Banks.