Instagram/Azealia Banks & Jeff Kwat Celebrity Azealia Banks skips court hearing as trial to determine damages for stalking, defamation, and extortion of her ex-manager nears. April 22, 2026 AceShowbiz - Azealia Banks failed to appear at a crucial hearing on Tuesday as a Los Angeles court prepared for a bench trial set for May 5. The trial will determine the damages she owes her former manager, Jeff Kwatinetz, following a ruling that held her liable for stalking, defamation, and civil extortion, among other allegations. During the hearing, Los Angeles County Judge Brock T.