Corey Banks Declares Full Support for Kelley Lynch, Leonard Cohen's Former Personal Manager, Amidst Legal Battle and Defamation Claims

Los Angeles – Corey Banks, the renowned rapper, producer, and founder of Banks Brand Music Unlimited (BBMUnlimited), has issued a powerful and deeply personal declaration supporting his longtime close friend, Kelley Lynch. In a statement made public today, Banks, also known as Corey Drumz, denounced the attacks on Lynch’s character and emphasized her unwavering professionalism, intelligence, and dedication to his career and family’s musical legacy.

Banks, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles music scene and an influential artist hailing from the rich musical history of Hollis, Queens, has had a colorful and impactful career in the entertainment industry. The son of legendary musicians Larry Banks and Joan "Jaibi" Banks, Corey grew up surrounded by music, with his father co-writing the iconic song "Go Now" that became a cornerstone of the British Invasion. Having co-founded underground 90s hip-hop group Total Pack and later working with industry figures such as MC Serch, Banks carved out his own space as both an artist and a business entrepreneur. He currently runs BBMUnlimited, a successful independent label that promotes integrity and authenticity in the music industry.

In his declaration, Corey Banks unequivocally defends Kelley Lynch, who he approached to serve as his personal manager and publishing administrator. He describes Lynch as a "genuine, straightforward, direct, and fiercely loyal" professional. Banks emphasizes that Lynch’s expertise in the entertainment industry is extensive, and she has shown a deep commitment to his work as well as his family’s musical catalog. He recounts how, after meeting Lynch in early 2018, he quickly grew to trust her judgment and approach to business, describing their relationship as one of mutual respect and admiration.

"I have seen Kelley in action and can personally attest to her professionalism and integrity," Banks said. "She has been a loyal and dedicated friend, and genuinely cares about my work and that of my family’s."

Banks also provided insight into the harassment Lynch has faced from an individual named Stephen Gianelli, whom he claims has been relentlessly targeting Lynch with libelous emails and defamation. In his declaration, Banks reveals that Gianelli, who he believes is associated with Leonard Cohen’s legal team, has sent him a barage of harassing emails in an attempt to discredit Lynch. Banks explains that despite initially reaching out to Gianelli for more information (as Gianelli was all over the internet about Kelley Lynch), he was soon bombarded with unsolicited, defamatory content. "I can unequivocally state that she is not a 'good con artist.' Kelley is genuine, straightforward, direct, and fiercely loyal," he asserts. Artwork - Corey Banks standing tall and strong, facing off against the clownish figure of Stephen Gianelli.

As a direct witness to the legal proceedings involving Lynch, Banks expressed his concern over the bias and prejudice he observed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. According to Banks, the prosecutor’s treatment of Lynch was both dismissive and discriminatory, with Lynch’s attempts to speak or ask questions being frequently shut down. He highlights a particularly troubling moment when Lynch’s request for a continuance was dismissed because the prosecutor had "vacation plans," a moment that Banks describes as emblematic of the prosecutor’s lack of interest in seeking justice. Artwork - Kelley Lynch in the courtroom, facing a hostile prosecutor and an indifferent judge.

"The prosecutor seemed more interested in his vacation plans than seeking justice," Banks writes, reflecting on the apparent bias in the courtroom. "It felt like the court was doing everything they could to make Kelley look bad, regardless of the facts." Artwork - In the courtroom, the prosecutor rambled incoherently, more focused on his upcoming vacation than on delivering justice. His monotonous chatter filled the air as he droned on.

Banks further points out that Lynch has been unfairly targeted in relation to her advocacy for Phil Spector, the legendary producer who was convicted of murder in 2009. According to Banks, Lynch’s vocal defense of Spector and her efforts to shine a light on the discrepancies in his case have made her a target for legal and personal attacks. "It seems like Kelley is actually being targeted over Phil Spector," he declares. "He is no doubt still privately fighting his conviction. Kelley is publicly drawing attention to the case. Cohen’s testimony about Phil Spector and a gun is a more likely reason for the targeting of Kelley." Artwork - Kelley Lynch and her date, Phil Spector, at a Beverly Hills venue.

As Banks continues to work on his music, including upcoming albums set for release, he remains adamant that Lynch’s professionalism and integrity have been key to his own career success. He explains that Lynch was the one who encouraged him to resume his music career when he was initially considering simply releasing his old masters. "Kelley has always believed in me, and her encouragement helped me refocus on my music." he adds.

In his statement, Banks also touches on the ongoing mental competence claims by deviant, dishonest "prosecutors" that have plagued Lynch. Banks strongly refutes any claims regarding Lynch's mental health, asserting that Lynch is a "competent individual" with no history of substance abuse. "Kelley does not do drugs and does not even touch marijuana," Banks states. "When I heard about these allegations, I immediately thought 'It has to do with Spector.' It's an attempt to undermine her credibility."

Banks goes on to express his frustration with the ongoing legal battles that have hampered Lynch’s ability to perform her professional duties. "These proceedings are interfering with Kelley’s ability to do her job efficiently and fully," he explains. "She has been forced to miss work, is frequently unable to meet certain requirements, and has been given warnings about her job performance. These proceedings are the cause of that."

"Kelley's being targeted because of her support for Phil Spector," Corey Banks stated. "She’s making people question his conviction, and Cohen’s conflicting gun stories only add to the doubt. It’s hard to believe this is about tax forms—this feels more like retaliation for Kelley exposing the truth."

Corey Banks' declaration adds to the growing chorus of voices supporting Kelley Lynch in her fight for justice. As the music industry veteran continues to expand his empire through BBMUnlimited, which currently boasts over 35 artists worldwide and has achieved nearly 4 million streams in 2024, his commitment to supporting the people who have stood by him is clear. Banks has built his label on the principles of authenticity and integrity, values that he and Kelley Lynch are dedicated to in every aspect of their lives and work.

"I’ve witnessed firsthand what Kelley has been through, and I can tell you she’s one of the most competent and capable individuals I know," Banks concludes. "She has earned my deepest respect, and I am proud to have her as my friend." Banks' support for Lynch comes at a critical time, as she faces ongoing legal and personal attacks. Whether in the courtroom or the music industry, Banks remains committed to fighting for truth and justice. His declaration is a powerful testament to the loyalty and integrity that define his professional relationships.