A jury in Florida has ordered Celsius energy drinks to pay $82.6 million to Flo Rida in a breach of contract lawsuit the popular rapper filed against the company. According to NBC News, the jury’s decision on Wednesday came after it determined Celsius failed to honor its obligations of an endorsement deal it signed with Flo Rida. The deal was in effect between 2014 and 2018.
The jury also determined the company concealed information from him through fraudulent means. Following the verdict, the Low rapper released a statement expressing gratitude to the jury, judge and his legal team.
“This was a long journey, but we prevailed. From the start, I only wanted what I worked for, nothing more, nothing less,” the rapper, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, said, per TODAY. “I was instrumental in the Celsius that you know and love today. When this journey began, no one knew Celsius. I took Celsius all over the world through my videos, concerts, appearances, and social media. I have gained a new respect for the judicial system. God bless America.”
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In the 2021 lawsuit, the 43-year-old rapper claimed the energy drink company failed to issue him royalties as well as millions in added stock under the stipulations of their deals, NBC News reported.
While delivering the closing arguments, Flo Rida’s lawyer, John Uustal, said the Right Round rapper did not file the lawsuit seeking a certain amount of money. Uustal said his client rather wanted to be awarded the 1% ownership the company promised him.
Uustal also released a statement saying he and Flo Rida counted on the jury to scrutinize the case’s “complicated legal issues.”
“We said we’d trust the jury to do the right thing, we’d trust the verdict, accept the decision of the jury. And it’s amazing how detailed the jury verdict was, how they filled out a complicated and extensive jury verdict in such a way that made it clear beyond any doubt that they understood all the most difficult issues in the case and resolved them,” he said. “I’m glad, in this case, the jury concluded that Flo Rida should get what he worked for.”
