American rap icons Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube are facing a $1.3 million lawsuit filed by Westside Merchandise, a company accusing the pair of fraud—claims both rappers strongly deny.
Court documents reveal that the 53-year-old Snoop Dogg and 56-year-old Ice Cube filed a motion in August asking a judge to exempt them from attending a deposition scheduled for October.
According to their legal team, requiring the rappers to sit for depositions was “harassing, oppressive, and burdensome,” especially for “high-profile individuals who keep busy schedules with firm commitments.” Their lawyers also argued that the artists had nothing “substantive” to contribute if questioned.
Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube said they had offered to let Westside Merchandise speak with their associate, Tony Draper, but the company declined unless the rappers personally appeared. Their lawyers called this move a “clear tactic” to “force” a settlement.
The pair added that if the court required their attendance, they requested permission to testify virtually, with the session limited to two hours. Snoop noted that he was filming a movie until October 21, while Ice Cube was in Florida managing his Big3 basketball league and preparing for a tour.
In September, Westside Merchandise opposed their request, arguing that it had been “extremely cooperative” in arranging the depositions. The company also asked the court to sanction the rappers, demanding $11,000 in legal fees for delays. A judge has not yet ruled on the matter.
The dispute traces back to November last year, when Westside Merchandising sued Snoop, Ice Cube, E-40, Too Short, and Mount Westmore LLC—a supergroup formed by the four rappers—for breach of contract, fraud, and conversion. Mount Westmore released its debut album in 2022.
The lawsuit alleges that the company entered into an agreement in 2022 to serve as the exclusive vendor for Mount Westmore merchandise. Westside claimed it paid $1.375 million in advances and royalties based on assurances that the group would embark on a 60-date tour across the U.S. and Europe, and that Snoop and Ice Cube would help promote the partnership through videos and in-store appearances.
However, the company said none of those commitments were fulfilled. “In fact, the only appearance Defendants made was [at] a VIP meet and greet event at which Snoop Dogg appeared to sell his own merchandise,” Westside’s lawyers stated.
In response, the rappers’ attorney, Frank Seddigh, insisted that his clients “have always conducted their business in good faith and with integrity,” adding that Westside had refused “to cooperate or engage in good-faith discussions.”
Meanwhile, Westside’s attorney, John Fowler, countered that “Defendants in this case are trying to hide from having their depositions taken because they are scared of answering difficult questions relating to their swindle.”
The case remains ongoing, with the court yet to determine whether Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube must appear for deposition.
