Judge Freezes Knight's Assets

Marion 'Suge' Knight's assets have been frozen by a California judge after an imprisoned drug dealer declared he wants half of the $107 million (GBP59.4 million) a court ordered Knight to pay his wife.

Monterey County Superior Court Judge ADRIENNE M GROVER issued the ruling on 29 August (05), the day after Knight was shot in the leg at an MTV Video Music Awards pre-party hosted by Kanye West in Miami Beach, Florida. He has since been released from hospital.

In March (05), a Los Angeles judge ordered Knight and his companies to pay $107 million to Lydia Harris, who claimed she helped start Death Row Records and was owed money from the recording label.

The judge made the decision after finding that Knight and his lawyers failed to answer questions and provide information in the case, which never reached trial.

Michael Harris, who is serving a 28-year sentence at San Quentin State Prison, argues he's entitled to half of his wife's award.

Harris claims he put up $1.5 million (GBP833,000) from behind bars in 1991 to help start the record label - a contention Knight has repeatedly denied.

In June (05), Harris filed for divorce after learning his wife was in settlement negotiations with Knight, says his lawyer STEVEN M GOLDBERG.

Goldberg explains, "She was trying to settle separately and cut him off the $107 million award."

Harris sought a divorce to block the alleged settlement, adds Goldberg. The judge's decision to add Knight as a party to the divorce blocks him from "disposing or transferring his assets away" says the lawyer.