Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti has been making headlines over the last few days for all the wrong reasons after disclosing intimate details about his alleged former relationship with singer Ashanti during a recent appearance on “Drink Champs.” While fans have rallied behind the Grammy Award-winning singer, she has also received some legal advice from a surprising source. 

While cruising through the streets of New York City, media outlet TMZ caught up with Judge
Greg Mathis, who weighed in on the matter. When asked if the “Foolish” singer should seek a gag order preventing the music executive from further divulging information about her, he answered, “Yes. she should.”

Judge Greg Mathis (L) and Ashanti (R). Photo by David Livingston/WireImage, Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence

He continued, “If she feels she’s being defamed, she should perhaps cease-and-desist if nothing else; hoping that they’ll honor the law. Because cease-and-desist order is just that, a law. So that would be my suggestion prior to moving further, just send a cease-and-desist and hope they honor that now.”

Judge Mathis shared that he’s dealt with cases like the 41-year-old’s “quite frequently,” telling the reporter, “and as I tell the litigants, it has to be an intent to hurt your reputation and it has to be made to third parties, and it must actually hurt your reputation.”

He added, “So that’s the issue. Does it actually hurt your reputation, or does it give you more fame like our kids get in this society?” 

When asked if he’s heard some of what Gotti has been saying, the television personality said, “I know it’s some things that are unflattering” before adding, “no, I’m not going to repeat it and spread it further.”

During a recent interview on “Drink Champs” with N.O.R.E., Gotti admitted to being in love with the star and described how he found out that she was dating rapper Nelly. The businessman also claimed that he conceptualized Ashanti’s 2002 hit song “Happy” after having sex with her. 

Ashanti hasn’t made a direct statement about the comments. However, Monday morning, Aug. 8, the singer took to Twitter where she wrote, “Morning y’all. Sending out positive vibes and energy,” seemingly confirming that she’s well aware of the recent events.