Rapper Gunna has filed a lawsuit alleging that concert promoters failed to pay him after a January performance tied to the X Games in Aspen.
According to the complaint, Gunna’s touring company entered a contract with promoter Mickle and Mickle Productions to perform during the winter sports event in the Colorado resort town. The agreement guaranteed a $500,000 performance fee payable on the night of the show.
The lawsuit states that Gunna completed the performance as scheduled. However, his representatives claim the promoters never delivered the promised payment.
The contract also contained a contingency clause. If the initial $500,000 payment did not arrive by the specified deadline, the agreement required an additional $250,000 payment. Gunna’s team alleges the promoters failed to satisfy either obligation.
In court filings, the rapper’s company said it repeatedly requested payment but instead received inconsistent explanations from the promoter.
Gunna Sues X Games Promoter For $750k In Lawsuit
According to the complaint, representatives of Mickle and Mickle Productions claimed the funds were temporarily tied up in gold commodities. The lawsuit suggests that explanation raised immediate doubts about the legitimacy of the payment arrangement.
The promoters later offered other potential payment sources. Gunna’s team alleges they were told the money could come from a “major alcohol brand.” The complaint also claims the promoters mentioned proceeds from the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade as another possible source.
The lawsuit characterizes those assurances as empty promises.
Gunna’s touring company is seeking $750,000 in damages based on the contract terms, along with additional relief tied to claims of breach of contract and fraud.
Importantly, organizers of the X Games are not named as defendants in the case. The lawsuit focuses solely on the promoter that arranged the performance.
The dispute highlights broader concerns within the live entertainment industry regarding payment guarantees. The court will now determine whether the promoter violated the contract.
