US businessman sues Vietnamese ‘king of bolero’ Dam Vinh Hung for damaging his property, demands $2 compensation

Vietnamese singer Dam Vinh Hung. Photo from Dam Vinh Hung's Facebook

Williams filed a countersuit against Dam Vinh Hung, aged 53, in the California Supreme Court, Orange County. The initial 34-page filing document was expanded to 304 pages on Dec. 9, incorporating extensive evidence such as photos, information, and personal messages regarding the incident, alongside details about Dam Vinh Hung’s life and financial situation after the incident.

In his countersuit, Williams claims that Dam Vinh Hung recklessly damaged his property when attempting to perform on a fountain, which collapsed under his weight, resulting in its destruction and injuring the singer. Williams reported spending tens of thousands of dollars on fountain repairs and also covered Dam Vinh Hung’s hospital expenses totaling US$29,580 across two payments.

Williams also indicates that despite Dam Vinh Hung’s claims of significant injuries, the singer still managed to perform 27 shows and earned substantial fees. According to him, Dam Vinh Hung had previously demanded compensation, escalating from US$15 million to "potentially US$50 million," for his purported injuries, but filed a lawsuit against Williams on Oct. 31 for health damage, mental suffering, and lost income after receiving no response.

Stating that he would not negotiate with the singer or his lawyers, Williams has requested the court to order Dam Vinh Hung to pay US$1 for damages and an additional US$1 for legal costs, including attorney fees, alongside demanding a formal apology to restore his family’s reputation.

Dam Vinh Hung had filed a lawsuit against Williams in California, alleging negligence at Williams’ property led to a serious injury causing him to lose several toes. The singer claimed the injury occurred when a fountain, used as a stage and bar, broke during his performance at a party at Williams’ Newport Coast estate on Feb. 19, leading to significant financial and emotional distress. This lawsuit was set for its first hearing in June 2025.

However, on Dec. 4, Dam Vinh Hung announced on Facebook his decision to withdraw his lawsuit after discussions with Williams, stating that what was needed was an apology to both parties, their families, and his audience, and expressing a desire for everyone to focus on more important personal and familial matters.

Yet, in mid-December, the California Superior Court announced that Dam Vinh Hung’s representatives had withdrawn their request to cancel the previous lawsuit and authorized lawyer Tu Huy Hoang to continue representing them in the case, taking over from the former law firm.

Dam Vinh Hung, whose real name is Huynh Minh Hung, launched his career with a fourth-place finish in the 1998 Ho Chi Minh City Television Singing Contest. He won two Dedication Music Awards in 2008 and 2010, akin to Grammy Awards in Vietnamese music. He has also served as a judge on major Vietnamese singing competitions such as The Voice of Vietnam and The X Factor Vietnam.

Williams, a businessman with a technology background and a supporter of the arts, is married to Vietnamese singer Bich Tuyen. The couple is known for hosting events that attract numerous overseas Vietnamese artists.