Rapper Flo Rida recently won $82 million after a judge ruled in his favor in an energy drink lawsuit

Hip hop artist Flo Rida was awarded $82.6 million on Wednesday after a South Florida jury found that the makers of Celsius energy drinks breached the rapper and singer’s contract, and tried to keep money from him.

Flo Rida, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, and his production company, Strong Arm Productions, are suing Boca Raton-based Celsius Holdings Inc. in Broward County court in May 2021, claiming the company violated the terms of an endorsement agreement.

“Basically, I helped birth this company, and what we’re looking for is some reliable people who act like they’re a family,” Dillard told The Associated Press. “And then when it comes to success now, they just forget about me.”

Attorneys for Celsius have argued in court and in previous filings that the company achieved its greatest success after the Flo Rida endorsement deal ended — and that other business decisions led to increases in sales and stock value. Celsius may still appeal the ruling, but it’s not immediately clear if they will. Lawyers for the company did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment from The Associated Press.

According to the civil complaint, Flo Rida was a brand ambassador for Celsius from 2014 to 2018. During that time, Dillard’s played a key role in launching a new era for brand development, growth and expansion. company, which introduced Celsius to millions around the world. , the complaint said. Dillard and his lawyers argued that the partnership paved the way for Celsius to grow its product portfolio, which included adding a powder product and a new product line called Celsius Heat in collaboration with Flo Rida. . The company has been selling and collecting revenue for its powder form products ever since.

Attorney John Uustal said Flo Rida wanted the 1% ownership he was promised and was still willing to accept the stock instead of the jury’s monetary award.

“He (Dillard) loves the product, and it’s been a successful four-year relationship,” Uustal said. “There are some benchmarks. He would have taken stock if certain things had happened. And a dispute ensued over whether the benchmarks were met. So that’s what it’s about. “

Dillard said he continues to drink Celsius products and even owns some stock in the company. He said he wants to move on from the legal battle and work for the company again in the future.

“I still own the company,” said Dillard. “And when you plant the seed for something successful, you can’t help but have unconditional love.”

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