Essence Fest Lawsuit: Former CEO Caroline Wanga Alleges Defamation

The fallout from the controversial 2025 Essence Fest is now headed to court. Caroline Wanga, the former CEO of Essence Ventures, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the company and its parent company, Sundial Media & Technology Group, alleging that company leadership allowed a false public narrative to spread after last year’s festival and failed to correct the record despite repeated requests.

According to the complaint filed in New York State Court, and obtained by NOLA.com, Wanga claims she was wrongly blamed for many of the decisions that sparked backlash surrounding the 2025 Essence Fest, including criticism of the festival’s Pan-African programming focus and its partnership with Target, which faced scrutiny from some consumers over changes to its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

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The lawsuit argues that Wanga had no involvement in planning or executing the July 2025 event.

At the center of the complaint is the timing of Wanga’s departure. She served as CEO of Essence Ventures from 2020 until March 31, 2025. However, according to the filing, the public was not informed of her exit until nearly two months after the festival concluded.

Wanga alleges that company leadership asked her to delay announcing her departure until after the event, creating the impression that she remained in charge during the festival.

As criticism intensified online and in the media, Wanga says she became the target of personal attacks and threats. The lawsuit claims she and her attorneys repeatedly urged Sundial executives, including founder Richelieu Dennis and CEO Kirk McDonald, to publicly clarify that she had no role in the festival’s planning.

According to attorney Larry Schaefer, the companies refused.

“The lawsuit is being brought to hold Essence Ventures and Sundial leadership, including Richelieu Dennis and Kirk McDonald, to account for allowing a false public narrative to destroy Ms. Wanga’s reputation,” Schaefer said in a statement.

The complaint alleges the delayed response caused significant damage to both Wanga’s personal reputation and her consulting company, WangaWoman. The filing claims that business opportunities disappeared as public criticism mounted, and that potential clients associated her with decisions she did not make.

The legal action adds another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding the 2025 festival. Last year’s event generated criticism from some attendees over production issues, VIP access policies, and concerns that the festival had drifted from its traditional focus.

More recently, organizers have faced questions over reported outstanding balances owed to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and disputes involving vendors.

Meanwhile, Essence Fest has been pushing forward with its 2026 plans. Teyana Taylor was recently named chief curator, promising to make the event “feel like home again,” while organizers unveiled a lineup featuring Brandy, Monica, Kehlani, Patti LaBelle, Cardi B, and Latto.