Contrary to numerous reports, based on information provided both by Megaupload and Swizz Beatz's own publicist, a lawyer for Megaupload now asserts that Beatz is not now, nor has he ever been, the company's CEO.
The revelation comes after yesterday's surprise raid on, and subsequent shutdown of, the popular file sharing website. In a criminal lawsuit filed against principle Megaupload employees, including the company's founders, Beatz— born Kaseem Dean— was not named a single time.
The company's lawyer, Ira Rothken, confirmed with VentureBeat that Beatz had no formal role with the company.
“To my knowledge, Swizz Beatz was never involved in any meaningful way,” Rothken said. “He was negotiating to become the CEO, but it was never official.”
The news is surprising given that, prior to its shutdown, Megaupload's site listed Beatz as the CEO of the company. In addition, the super producer's publicist confirmed with The New York Observer's BetaBeat that Beatz held the position.
Beatz first became publicly associated with Megaupload at the end of last year, when he helped create a viral music video for the site that featured cameos from a slew of starts, including Kanye West, Diddy, Chris Brown, Will.i.am, Snoop Dogg and others. Prior to yesterday's FBI raid, Megaupload was ensnared in a legal battle with Universal Music Group over the appearance of its artists in the video.

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