Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube Fight Deposition in Mounting Fraud Lawsuit

According to an exclusive report from Us Weekly, hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube are resisting attempts to have their testimonies taken under oath in a fraud-related lawsuit. Both artists vehemently refute any claims of misconduct associated with the legal proceedings.

In August, Snoop Dogg, 53, and Ice Cube, 56, submitted legal documents requesting a judge's decision to exempt them from a deposition planned for October, at which point they were expected to be questioned extensively about the specifics of a legal action initiated by Westside Merchandise.

Legal representatives for the musicians contended that the demand for Snoop and Ice Cube's depositions was “harassing, oppressive, and burdensome,” particularly “for these high-profile individuals who keep busy schedules with firm commitments.” Furthermore, the attorney representing Snoop and Ice Cube asserted that the pair lacked any “substantive” input regarding the ongoing legal dispute.

The artists indicated they offered the company access to their associate, Tony Draper, but Westside Merchandise declined, insisting on their direct depositions first. Their legal counsel characterized this refusal as a “clear tactic” designed to “force” a resolution out of court.

At that specific time, Snoop Dogg stated he was occupied with filming a movie, making him unavailable until October 21. Ice Cube mentioned he was located in Florida, managing operations for his Big3 basketball league. He further added that he was preparing for an upcoming tour.

The musicians proposed that should the court compel their appearance, they would seek approval to provide testimony remotely, with their deposition restricted to a maximum of two hours.

In September, Westside Merchandise submitted legal documents challenging Snoop and Ice Cube’s bid to sidestep their depositions. The company claimed to have shown “extreme cooperation” with the entertainers' legal counsel in efforts to arrange the depositions.

Westside Merchandise requested that the court penalize Snoop and Ice Cube by mandating they cover $11,000 in legal expenses, citing delays in the proceedings. As of now, a judicial decision remains pending.

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The legal dispute commenced on November 18, 2024, when Westside Merchandising LLC initiated a lawsuit against Snoop, Ice Cube, E-40, Too Short, and Mount Westmore LLC, alleging breach of contract, fraud, conversion, and several other infractions.

Mount Westmore comprises a collective including Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, 57, and Too Short, 59. These iconic artists, with a long history of collaborations, launched their first album in 2022.

According to the lawsuit, the merchandise company affirmed it finalized an agreement in 2022 with the rappers, making it the sole provider for Mount Westmore's branded goods.

Westside Merchandising stated it furnished the rappers with specific upfront payments and royalties, based on assurances that Mount Westmore intended to embark on a 60-show tour across America and Europe, at which venues the merchandise would be offered for sale to their audience.

A lawyer representing the company penned, “[Westside Merchandising] was also guaranteed that Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, both designated as key individuals within the [agreement], would publicize and endorse the contract by creating a promotional video for [Mount Westmore’s] social media channels and by making an appearance at a Westside-selected retail venue.” “However, none of these commitments were fulfilled.”

The attorney further stated, “Indeed, the sole appearance made by the Defendants was a VIP meet-and-greet occasion where Snoop Dogg, in contrast, seemed to be selling his personal merchandise.”

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Westside Merchandising asserted it disbursed a total of $1.375 million to the defendants post-contract signing, only for the rappers to reportedly abandon their agreed-upon responsibilities.

The lawsuit detailed that Mount Westmore did not deliver the promised 60 concerts. “Rather, they performed at only three concerts in 2022, and no concerts whatsoever in 2023 or 2024.” Furthermore, the company claimed Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube neglected to “produce the necessary promotional videos to advertise” the merchandise “as stipulated by the conditions” of the agreement.

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Westside Merchandising, which sought the reimbursement of its funds and punitive compensation, asserted that despite numerous demands, Snoop Dogg and the co-defendants have declined to repay the “upfront payment of $1,375,000 they obtained from Westside.”

In their defense, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and the additional defendants countered that the company had not presented sufficient evidence to substantiate particular allegations within its lawsuit. Too Short and E-40 stated they were not signatories to the original contract.

Frank Seddigh, who represents the defendants, informed Us that “Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, and Too Short, operating as Mount Westmore, have consistently managed their affairs with honesty and integrity. Notwithstanding several efforts to settle this issue cordially, Westside Merchandising has declined to collaborate or partake in sincere negotiations.”

Seddigh further stated, “Furthermore, the company has not fulfilled its contractual duties by withholding royalty payments and sales records legitimately due to our clients. Our intention is to pursue all requisite actions to enforce adherence. The factual evidence and legal precedents will ultimately demonstrate that Westside Merchandising’s accusations against our clients are completely unfounded and lack validity.”

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John Fowler, legal counsel for Westside Merchandise, conveyed to Us, “The defendants in this matter are attempting to evade their depositions because they are apprehensive about addressing challenging inquiries concerning their deceptive actions.”

Fowler continued, “The defendants accepted my client’s capital, pledging to act as an honorable partner dedicated to touring and merchandise initiatives, only to abscond with a seven-figure sum of money, providing nothing in exchange. My clients were misled, and have suffered losses amounting to millions of dollars in potential merchandising revenue, while the defendants have profited at my client’s detriment.”

He concluded, “The defendants possess no genuine legal defenses for this case, and their approach has been merely to postpone what is unavoidable. Defendant Too Short has openly declared that they were simply ‘too rich and busy’ to commit to Mount Westmore, which undeniably does not constitute a valid legal defense in a judicial setting. We eagerly anticipate litigating this matter.”