Story perspectives

Barry Hankerson accuses son over Aaliyah crash coordination

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Barry Hankerson accuses his son Jomo Hankerson of bearing responsibility for Aaliyah’s 2001 fatal plane crash.
Barry says Jomo was paid to coordinate Aaliyah’s travel for the Bahamas “Rock the Boat” video shoot.
Investigators found the aircraft overloaded by 200 pounds and the pilot had cocaine, alcohol, and falsified FAA credentials.
Jomo filed an April lawsuit seeking over $1.2 million, claiming 12 percent of music-asset earnings and alleging Barry breached a settlement.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Marvin Gaye’s estate settled a prolonged dispute with Motown Records, securing a $2.5 million payment and control of his catalog. Judge John G. Heymann oversaw the agreement, mandating royalty audits and granting the Gaye family authority over future licensing deals. The Hankersons’ April lawsuit, where Barry accuses son Jomo of mismanaging Aaliyah’s 2001 Bahamas video-shoot travel and seeks $1.2 million, echoes that earlier estate battle. Both cases illustrate how disputed music-asset control can trigger costly litigation, prompting tighter oversight of artist estates and charter-flight safety protocols.

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Story summary

Barry Hankerson accuses his son Jomo Hankerson of bearing responsibility for Aaliyah’s 2001 fatal plane crash.
Barry says Jomo was paid to coordinate Aaliyah’s travel for the Bahamas “Rock the Boat” video shoot.
Investigators found the aircraft overloaded by 200 pounds and the pilot had cocaine, alcohol, and falsified FAA credentials.
Jomo filed an April lawsuit seeking over $1.2 million, claiming 12 percent of music-asset earnings and alleging Barry breached a settlement.

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