Gugu Myeni

Two people charged with extorting legendary musician Stevie Wonder have pleaded not guilty.

According to Billboard.com the multi-award winning singer's cousin Alpha Walker and his gilfriend Tamara Diaz, who created a film ranting about the singers treatment of his family, threatened to sell the footage which shows the award winning singer in a negative light if he didnt pay them $50 000 (R 417 120).

Walker, 38, in a 80 minute film; reportedly accused Wonder of being "a slumlord" and made derogatory comments about the singer's mother, two witnesses said.

According to Billboard.com the couple have been jailed since May 2 after they accepted money from the musicians lawyer, during a sting set up by LA police and the singers legal team. 

The pair was  reportedly given a $10,000 (R 83 424) as a down payment to hand over the footage and keep its contents confidential.

Extortion: Blackmail, unlawfully obtaining money, property, or services from a person, entity, or institution.