Rapper Flo Rida has scored a major victory in his legal battle against energy drink company Celsius.
The “Right Round” star has been embroiled in a fight with the company since 2021. That year, he sued Celsius for a soured deal he’d signed with them. Per the partnership, Flo Rida was a brand ambassador for their energy drinks, even featuring the beverage in his music videos from 2014 to 2018. Flo and his attorneys argued that his endorsement helped to expand the brand. As part of the deal, Flo was to be granted stock and 1% ownership of the company, as well as other incentives when certain goals were met. Unfortunately, he was not appropriately compensated by Celsius.
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During the jury trial, the 43-year-old only sought $32,000 in damages and said he’d still be willing to accept the stocks instead of monetary damages. His lawyer, John Uustal, argued that his client wasn’t necessarily seeking a dollar amount when he filed the suit. The internationally known artist only sought what was rightfully owed him under the contract.
Flo, whose real name is Tramar Lacel Dillard, says he “helped birth this company,” but once the money started rolling in, Celsius Holdings Inc. “abandoned him.” Still, he was willing to work with them if the situation could be rectified. On the other hand, attorneys representing Celsius argued that the company actually became more popular when Flo Rida stopped promoting them.
Ultimately, a jury ruled in Flo’s favor, and he was awarded a staggering $82.6 million in damages. Although Celsius could still challenge the judgment, it wasn’t immediately clear if they would.
