Rapper Flo Ride (born Tramar Lacel Dillard) is $82 million richer after winning his lawsuit against Celsius Energy Drink on Wednesday, Jan. 18, in Broward County, according to Vibe.
Flo Rida and his legal team claimed that the company violated the contract and failed to pay what they owed him despite using the performer to advertise their brand and excluding him from stock options. As a result, the verdict found favor in the “Whistle” rapper, and the court ordered the fitness drink company to pay $82 million in damages.
Flo Rida spoke at a press conference about his latest victory while holding and sipping a Celsius.
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“God is good, in Jesus name,” Flo Rida began, thanking the jury, judge and legal team. “This was a long journey, but we prevailed. From the start I only wanted what I worked for, nothing more, nothing less. I was instrumental to Celsius that you know and love today, such as myself. I put them on my back. Celsius has accompanied me all over the world— through my videos, concerts, appearances and social media.”
He ended the speech with, “I gained a new respect for the judicial system, most importantly, and I just want to say God bless America.”
Flo Rida was a brand ambassador for the company from 2014 to 2018. The contract entailed that the performer was supposed to be paid royalties and given shares of company stock as Celsius continuously profited from using Flo Rida’s image and name. However, as the company constantly grew in revenue, it failed to compensate the artist. The rapper’s team gave the company a 30-day notice, which they didn’t act on. He initially sued the company for over $30,000 in damages but got away with more.
Flo Rida flaunted his victory on social media in two Instagram posts. The first included candid photos of him with a bible verse, Isaiah 61:7, in the caption.
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“Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy,” the post read.
He made another post with a slideshow of photos taken in and out of the courtroom.
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