Fans raved about TLC’s enlightening biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story when it aired on VH1 in 2013. The movie went on to be the network’s highest-rated film of that year. So, it seemed like everyone was happy, except for Perri “Pebbles” Reid. Following the film’s airing, Reid filed a $40 million defamation with Viacom for its portrayal of her. Nearly five years later, Pebbles and Viacom have reportedly settled the suit, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
A trial regarding the suit was originally supposed to begin on Sept. 24, but it was closed on Friday (Aug. 24), after a judge was informed of the settlement. Reid reportedly filed the defamation lawsuit in 2014. She claimed she was portrayed as a “conniving and dishonest business woman who hoodwinked three innocent girls and exploited their talent for her own personal gain.” Viacom attempted to get the case dismissed, stating that it was a film as told from the perspective of TLC’s two surviving members. The company also argued there was no malice in the the film’s depiction of Reid.
Despite Viacom’s argument, U.S. District Judge Mark Cohen concluded that some of Reid’s claims supported her defamation case. The judge specifically allowed Reid to take Viacom to trial over the scenes where she was displayed pressuring TLC to sign contracts without sufficient time to review them. The judge also allowed scenes in which Reid was seen deducting expenses from the group, only paying them $25 a week, as well as her decision to remove Chilli from the group.
The fact that T-Boz and Chilli were vital in the film’s story-telling a production, actually hurt Viacom. The judge reportedly sided with Reid due to the possibility of bias on the network’s end.
Lin Wood, Reid’s attorney stated that the terms of the settlement are confidential.
READ MORE: Perri ‘Pebbles’ Reid Is Throwing A Lawsuit TLC’s Way… Again