BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A jury has found that the makers of Celsius energy drinks breached their contract with rapper Flo Rida, awarding him $82.6 million, The Associated Press reported.
Flo Rida, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, along with his production company, Strong Arm Productions, sued Celsius Holdings in a Broward County court in 2021, saying that the company violated an endorsement deal.
“Basically, I helped birth this company, and all we was looking for was some trustworthy people who acted as if they were family,” the entertainer told the AP. “And then when it comes down to the success of today, they just forgot about me.”
Flo Rida, who is known for songs such as “Right Round” and “Whistle,” was a brand ambassador for the company from 2014 to 2018, NBC News reported. He said in the suit that he introduced the brand to millions of people worldwide and expanded the company’s offerings.
Originally, he had said he was owed about $30,000 and that his deal with the company didn’t expire, TMZ reported.
Celsius claimed its success came after the deal with Flo Rida ended and that other decisions attributed to increased sales and stock value.
Flo Rida’s attorneys said that the rapper wanted 1% of company ownership, which he said he was promised, NBC News reported. He said he would still consider it instead of the monetary award, the AP reported.
Celsius Holdings can appeal, but the company has not yet said if it plans to do so.
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