Rapper Remy Ma, 26 years old, has serious legal problems. The singer faces criminal charges and up to 25 years in prison in a $10 million civil lawsuit filed against her by an acquaintance. Although this is not the first time for Remy Ma to have legal problems, the current accusations are quite serious.

The lawsuit filed against Remy Smith, as the rapper is called when not on stage, claims that she “willfully wantonly and maliciously” shot and critically wounded an acquaintance, Makeda Barnes-Joseph. The latter accused the singer to have shot her twice in the abdomen after leaving a New York nightclub in July 2007.

However, what is very interesting in this case is the fact that Makeda Barnes-Joseph named as defendants several of Remy Ma’s recording companies, including even Universal Music Group and Sure Shot Recordings. The accuser claimed that the companies encouraged Remy Ma to engage in violent behavior as part of her image.

The singer’s lawyer, Ivan Fisher, said that the lawsuit was “irresponsible” and “looking for the deepest pocket it could find.”

Makeda Barnes-Joseph claims she was shot after the rapper had accused her of stealing about $2000. Remy Ma pleaded not guilty to charges.

Remy Ma is a Bronx native and a Grammy-nominated rapper. In 2005 she won the Black Entertainment Television award for best female hip-hop artist.