Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube Ordered to Testify in $1 Million Fraud Lawsuit
A judicial ruling rejected Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube's efforts to sidestep questioning under oath concerning a $1 million fraud allegation leveled against the music moguls, an exclusive scoop from Us Weekly reveals.
The Superior Court of Los Angeles determined on Wednesday, October 22, that Snoop, aged 53, and Ice Cube’s contention of lacking pertinent information regarding the legal dispute was unconvincing.
The presiding judge pointed out that Snoop and Ice Cube, 56, had both personally signed the agreement with Westside Merchandising, the entity initiating the legal action.
Furthermore, the court’s directive stated that the submitted evidence failed to demonstrate any intent by Westside Merchandise to badger or humiliate Snoop and Ice Cube through the request for their sworn testimony.
According to official court filings, Snoop and Ice Cube had requested a protective order to entirely bypass sworn questioning, or alternatively, offered to participate via video conference for no more than two hours.
As Us previously disclosed, Westside Merchandising initiated legal proceedings against Snoop, Ice Cube, E-40, and Too Short concerning a proposed venture for their rap supergroup, Mount Westmore.
Mount Westmore comprises Snoop, Ice Cube, E-40 (57), and Too Short (59). Their inaugural album dropped in 2022.
Court records show Westside asserted it forged an agreement in 2022 with the defendants to be the sole supplier of the group’s tour merchandise. The firm stated it provided $1.3 million in upfront payments.
The company alleged it was given the impression that Mount Westmore would embark on a 60-show tour across America and Europe, anticipating merchandise sales at each venue.
“[Westside Merchandising] received assurances that Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, designated as pivotal figures in the [agreement], would publicize and endorse the deal by creating a promotional video for [Mount Westmore’s] social media and by making an appearance at a Westside-selected retail outlet,” a Westside attorney penned. “However, these commitments were unfulfilled.”
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Westside stated that Mount Westmore performed only “a mere three live shows in 2022, and no concerts whatsoever in 2023 or 2024.”
Moreover, they claimed the artists neglected to produce the stipulated promotional footage. Westside asserted it requested the reimbursement of $1.3 million, but the accused parties declined.
In their defense, Snoop, Ice Cube, and the other accused individuals rejected every accusation of misconduct. Too Short and E-40 maintained they were not signatories to the original contract.
John Fowler, representing Westside Merchandise as their lawyer, previously informed Us, “The defendants in this matter are attempting to evade sworn testimony because they fear addressing tough inquiries concerning their deceitful scheme.”
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Fowler further elaborated, “The defendants accepted funds from my client, pledging to be a reputable collaborator dedicated to touring and merchandising initiatives, yet absconded with millions in capital, delivering nothing in exchange. My clients were misled with false promises and have suffered losses of millions in merchandising potential, while the defendants have profited at my client’s detriment.”
Frank Seddigh, legal counsel for the defendants, previously stated to Us, “Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, E-40, and Too Short, known as Mount Westmore, have consistently operated their affairs with honesty and uprightness. Despite numerous endeavors to settle this issue amicably, Westside Merchandising has declined to collaborate or partake in sincere negotiations.”
Seddigh continued, “Furthermore, the company has not fulfilled its contractual duties by retaining royalty payments and sales figures rightfully due to our clients. We plan to pursue all requisite actions to enforce adherence. The evidence and legal principles will ultimately demonstrate that Westside Merchandising’s assertions against our clients are utterly unfounded and lack substance.”
