Another great headline from the Daily News. Here’s the article, by Dareh Gregorian:
Songbird is freed from ex’s talons
Sultry songstress Hilary Kole is free to sing again.
A Manhattan judge released her Thursday from contracts with her ex-boyfriend — Birdland owner John Valenti.
“I feel exhilarated and vindicated,” the 37-year-old said, trying to hold back tears.
Kole’s seven-year relationship with Valenti ended in 2011 after what she called “threats and extreme behavior.” She sued to get out of the management and recording contracts.
The pair had signed a court order last year agreeing to have no contact except through lawyers — yet Valenti, 64, wanted the judge to enforce the contracts anyway, claiming he was still Kole’s manager.
Kole’s lawyer, Lawrence Garbuz, mocked that.
“You can’t (manage) a client you can’t speak to,” Garbuz said — and Justice Ellen Coin agreed.
“We’re disappointed,” said Valenti’s lawyer, Paul Hanly.