In a dramatic turn of events, attorney Tia Coats has publicly defended her client, Alvina Alston, who serves as the publicist for rapper Kevin Gates, against allegations made by Shila Hassanoff. Over the weekend, Hassanoff took to Instagram to accuse Alston of threatening her, claims that Coats vehemently denies.
During a press briefing, Coats clarified that any comments made by Alston during a brief and emotionally charged phone call do not constitute a threat under any legal standard. Coats alleges that Hassanoff had been persistently calling and texting Alston, pressuring her to take sides in a personal dispute involving Gates, which Alston had no part in. The tension escalated during their conversation, which Hassanoff recorded without Alston’s consent—a significant legal violation.
Compounding the situation, Coats revealed that shortly after the call, Alston received a menacing text from an anonymous number stating, “I will ruin your [expletive] career you better tread lightly.” Investigations into the matter revealed that this threatening message was sent through a third-party app designed to conceal the sender’s identity. Coats has already taken legal steps to preserve the data from the app, which could reveal the identity of the sender.
The attorney also dismissed Hassanoff’s claims that Alston expressed a desire to live with Hassanoff and Gates, describing these statements as completely false and aimed at damaging Alston’s reputation. Coats emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and indicated that a formal cease and desist letter has been issued to Hassanoff, with further legal actions anticipated.
Alston, who boasts over two decades of experience in public relations with high-profile clients, is determined not to be intimidated or defamed. Coats expressed confidence in Alston’s character and professionalism, stating that she will fight to protect her reputation against what she characterizes as harassment and manipulation.
In a broader context, Gates shared insights on loyalty and trust during a recent public appearance, advising individuals to be wary of those who manipulate their value. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and personal fulfillment, urging others to cultivate their instincts and decision-making skills rather than relying on external validation.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will impact both Alston’s career and Hassanoff’s claims, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and both sides are prepared for a lengthy battle in court.