Flo Rida enjoys a sip of Celsius after winning $82 million from them
The rapper claimed that the energy company had violated a deal with him
Flo Rida enjoyed a sip of Celsius energy drink after winning a $82 million in damages from the company over an endorsement deal.
The result came almost two years after the rapper, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, filed the lawsuit in 2021 claiming that Celsius owed him millions of dollars.
He held a deal with the energy drinks company to 'globally market and promote all aspects of the Celsius brand' between 2014 and 2018, and claimed he was promised company stock as part of the agreement.
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In his lawsuit, Flo Rida alleged Celsius never delivered on the stock despite the rapper promoting the drink for years.
He filed the lawsuit seeking damages for the stock and royalties, with the case being heard in front of a jury in Broward, Florida.
During closing arguments, Flo Rida’s attorney John Uustal explained the rapper wasn't seeking a specific amount of money, but the one percent ownership he had been promised when he signed the deal with Celsius.
On Wednesday (18 January), the jury found Celsius guilty of breaching a 2014 contract from which Flo Rida should have gained 250,000 company shares, a 2016 contract worth 500,000 shares, and royalties on sparkling orange drinks dating back to 2018.
The jury ultimately awarded Flo Rida a total of $82.6 million (£66.4m) in damages, kicking off his celebrations which saw him hold up a can of the energy drink and take a refreshing sip.
In a statement following his win, Flo Rida thanked the jury, judge and his attorneys for their support and said he'd gained a 'new respect for the judicial system'.
"This was a long journey, but we prevailed. From the start, I only wanted what I worked for, nothing more, nothing less,” he said. "I gained a new respect for the judicial system, most importantly, and I just want to say God bless America."
Flo Rida also claimed he was 'instrumental in the Celsius that you know and love today', adding: "I put them on my back and Celsius accompanied me all over the world, through my videos, concerts, appearance and social media."
Shares in Celsius sold for less than $1 (80p) when the company began, and are now worth more than $100 (£81).
Uustal said he and Flo Rida relied on the jury to navigate the 'complicated legal issues' in the case and trusted them to 'do the right thing'.
"I’m glad, in this case, the jury concluded that Flo Rida should get what he worked for," the lawyer added.
Topics: Music, Celebrity, Money, Food and Drink
Emily Brown