Hear this: Local company fends off accusations

A Manatee County-based high-end headphones company, once recognized for fast growth and a well-publicized move to shift production back to the U.S. from China, is a defendant in two lawsuits.

The plaintiff in one case is Curtis Jackson — better known as rapper and actor 50 cent. In a suit filed in Manatee County in April, Jackson contends Sleek Audio never repaid a $285,000 promissory note. The suit seeks enforcement of a March 17 arbitration decision, which Jackson's lawyers say is for the $285,000, plus another $61,000 in interest. Sleek Audio's attorneys, in court fillings, have argued against the repayment.

Jackson and Sleek Audio announced a brand licensing partnership in early 2011 regarding a line of wireless over-the-ear headphones. Sleek Audio terminated the agreement in May 2011, according to a company statement.