HOUSTON - The father of Houston-born R&B superstar Beyonce Knowles accuses one of Rupert Murdoch's publications of defaming him, recent court documents say.
Houston resident Matthew Knowles filed a lawsuit against The Sun, a publication of the NI Group Ltd., in Houston federal court on June 25, arguing the paper "knowingly and maliciously" misrepresented the ex-Destiny's Child manager's relationship with his daughter and granddaughter.
The suit shows The Sun convinced the plaintiff to give an interview on the promise that its story "would be balanced, truthful and limited to particular topics."
He granted the request and gave an extensive and recorded interview about the prospects for his worldwide music business and his family.
According to the original petition, the interview yielded a story "untainted with scandal or intrigue, however, Murdoch's Sun simply supplied its own, fabricating a story that would sell more papers and advertising than would the truth."
Knowles says The Sun reported that he and Beyonce are estranged and he has yet to meet her daughter with husband Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. He claims that is contrary to what he said during the interview.
"With no consideration for the results of its actions, The Sun published malicious and false statements that The Sun knew to be false," the suit says.
"Other facts were simply fabricated without regard for the truth."
The complainant adds the publication intentionally defamed him to sell more advertisements.
A jury trial is requested.
Attorney Mark Maney of Maney & Gonzalez-Felix PC in Houston is representing the plaintiff.
Case No. 4:13-CV-1845
Famed R&B singer's father sues Murdoch-owned publication for defamation
