NEW YORK -- Attorneys for Toni Braxton, the singer and Grammy Award winner, have announced that they are moving Braxton's lawsuit to New York State Court against Barry Hankerson, her former manager, and Blackground Records, LLC, for fraud and breach of contract.

Peter L. Haviland, trial counsel for Braxton, said he had decided that New York State court was the most appropriate and expeditious venue for the lawsuit, which was originally filed in federal district court on Jan. 12. Haviland said that the filing in New York State Court would supersede the federal filing, which would be withdrawn.

The lawsuit alleges that Hankerson, her former manager, was guilty of a conflict of interest and fraud when he caused Braxton to leave Arista Records and join Hankerson's own label, Blackground.

The lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages and a voiding of the Recording Agreement between Braxton and Blackground Records.