A security guard was shot several times outside the Los Angeles-area home of Weeknd co-manager and business partner Amir “Cash” Esmailian in an apparent home invasion, according to Fox11.
Esmailian has been a key member of the team around the Weeknd, which is led by his longtime manager Wassim “Sal” Slaiby’s SalXCo, for more than 20 years and founded XO Records with the artist. He played a major role in bringing both the Weeknd and Canadian rapper Nav into the company and is deeply involved in the company’s dealmaking and promotion.
The LAPD said multiple 911 calls came in regarding shots fired near the 101 Freeway and White Oak Avenue around 2:30 a.m. Monday, accoding to Fox 11. One of the callers was the the victim, who described the suspects as three men wearing hoodies and surgical masks. The suspects vacated the scene after the shooting; the victim was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and is expected to survive. Reps for the LAPD’s West Valley precinct were not immediately available for further comment.
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Investigators said at least four people were inside the home at the time of the shooting. A rep for Esmailian stressed that the incident was an attempted home invasion, although Fox 11 reported that as a “possibility.”
Esmailian has been featured on various power lists for PvNew and other music publications, and frequently posts photos of himself and his home on social media. He and other members of the team were featured on the cover of Billboard in early 2021.
