TAMPA, Fla. – Legal tremors are expected in Tampa’s music radio industry now that well-known nightclub DJ, Erik Mishiyev – also known as “DJ Short-E” – has sued WiLD 94.1’s Orlando Davis, a popular radio personality who also serves as program director. Beasley Media Group which owns WiLD 94.1 is also a Defendant in the lawsuit. The radio station is touted as “The Bay’s Party Station,” and posts near the top in Nielson’s audio ratings.
According to Mishiyev’s lawsuit, Davis is accused of generating malicious rumors that circulate on social media and have penetrated potentially nationwide leadership contacts whom Mishiyev would utilize to pursue work. With a damaged reputation alleged as due to Davis committing both libel and slander, the lawsuit states Davis’s acts of defamation have intentionally interfered with Mishiyev’s business relationships. Mishiyev believes that Davis’ alleged malicious behavior against him is what has caused him to lose both DJ and radio job opportunities.
Mishiyev has DJ’d since the late 1990s and has grown to 110 million viewers and 250,000 subscribers on YouTube. Tampa’s only DJ with a YouTube award, he is known for interviewing high-profile personalities. In 2010, he hosted rapper Diddy’s Super Bowl party. He also drew large crowds at Club Skye in Ybor City – that was, until Davis came in, allegedly told untruths about Mishiyev and got his contract cancelled, which Davis replaced with his own contract and people. Mishiyev was also a popular DJ at the Rain Lounge in Tampa.
In an interview, Mishiyev was asked why he accuses Davis of defaming him since 2004 but only now in 2020 has filed a lawsuit against him.
“I recently found out in the last five years that Davis was the reason people don’t like me. I go for a job, and then it comes to light that Orlando doesn’t like me,” Mishiyev said in an interview. “Among other things, he has accused me of using cocaine, which is not true.” Mishiyev’s lawsuit refers to an Instagram video Davis posted in April 2020 where he allegedly declares that he is, quote, “the reason why DJ Short-E ain’t made it.” It used to be that Mishiyev desired work with Davis to transition from club DJ contracts to the coveted land of radio. “I think maybe he is just jealous of me, I don’t know,” he said.
Orlando Davis was contacted by The Free Press. When asked his response to the lawsuit’s allegations, he said, “I am not aware of the suit.” No response was received by Beasley Media Group’s legal contact.