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FORMER MANAGER SEEKING MONEY FROM MARIAH!

Jerry Blair, who also served as president of her MonarC Entertainment, claims the diva has refused to fork over major money she owes him, sources tell us.

Blair was the man "who helped Mariah make history when she achieved her record-breaking 15 [No. 1] singles and most consecutive weeks at [No. 1]," according to a 2002 announcement of their now-defunct label.

"Jerry stood by Mariah through her breakdown," says a source. "He believed in her when other people lost faith."

But once the "Emanicpation of Mimi" songbird was back on her feet, "she ditched him," a friend of Blair claims. "She wanted to distance herself from anybody who saw her in those dark times."

Blair contends that, under their agreement, Carey still owes him a cut of her record and tour profits, according to sources.

"She hasn't paid him in two years," says an insider. "He had to call in lawyers."

Friends of Carey suspect her ex-husband, Tommy Mottola, was behind this new blight on her happiness. "Jerry and Tommy fell out when Tommy was his boss at Sony Music," says an insider. "But they're working together again at Casablanca Records."

Friends of Blair suspect Carey has been stonewalling on the advice of her label boss, Island Def Jam chief L.A. Reid, who clashed with Blair years ago at Arista.

But another source insists, "This has nothing to do with Tommy or L.A. Jerry just wants to be paid."

Earlier this summer, it looked as if a settlement was at hand. But a source says, "In the past couple of days, the talks have broken down."

Blair and his attorney declined to comment. Carey's lawyer and publicist didn't immediately return messages.