Toni Braxton's husband, Keri Lewis, ruined the star's deal at her record label, according to ex-manager Barry Hankerson.


"It was a terrible experience for us," Hankerson told us of working with the singer on his label Blackground Records. "We had to work through her husband to get things done, and it was really tough for us."


Hankerson released Braxton from Blackground in December. Days later, Braxton sued, seeking the total cancellation of any remaining obligations to the label.


On Wednesday, Hankerson and Braxton settled the case, and the singer agreed to return a $375,000 advance in exchange for a full release.


But Hankerson said he was more than ready to unload the singer, in part because of her husband's interference.


"She was with the best hitmakers in the world, but she infused another person in the mix," continued Hankerson. "Look at the back of the albums. All of a sudden you start seeing this new name. You couldn't get to Toni or offer her a song."


Braxton's rep replied: "[Hankerson's] continuing to blame Toni's husband for everything except Hurricane Katrina is both untrue and unfounded."