While courtrooms are recognized as a venue for "law," a recent trial involving pop-rap hitmaker Flo Rida has shown they can also be one for "Low," leading to some smooth dance moves on the witness stand.
As the Miami New Times reports, the artist born Tramar Dillard took the stand in a Broward County, FL, courtroom Wednesday (January 11) to testify in his suit against Celsius Holdings, in which he claims the company failed to pay royalties and stock shares owed to him as part of an endorsement deal for which he signed with the company in 2014 to market its titular energy drink.
Per the Times, the court proceedings saw Dillard's attorney play some clips of Dillard's hits to illustrate his musical success — an action that also appeared the help the artist loosen up on the stand. As he told the court before his testimony, "This is different than me being on stage."
As the Miami New Times reports, the artist born Tramar Dillard took the stand in a Broward County, FL, courtroom Wednesday (January 11) to testify in his suit against Celsius Holdings, in which he claims the company failed to pay royalties and stock shares owed to him as part of an endorsement deal for which he signed with the company in 2014 to market its titular energy drink.
Per the Times, the court proceedings saw Dillard's attorney play some clips of Dillard's hits to illustrate his musical success — an action that also appeared the help the artist loosen up on the stand. As he told the court before his testimony, "This is different than me being on stage."
The paper describes Flo Rida "bobbing his head" as 2015 single "My House" was played, while video footage from the trial captures Dillard moving to "Low" while seated at the front of the room. Extra colour comes from the Times reporting "some in the gallery mouthing the song's catchy line, 'Shawty had them apple bottom jeans / Boots with the fur.'"
@joeusherr They also played 3 other songs #florida #floridaincourt #floridarapper #applebottomjeansbootswiththefur #applebottomjeans #shawtygotlow ♬ Low - Flo Rida
While Celsius' legal team attempted to object to further plays, the hits didn't stop: "Right Round" was next up, followed by Dillard's attorneys "then [queueing] up 'Good Feeling' and 'GDFR (Going Down for Real)' while Dillard inaudibly rapped and sang along."
@gettothebag1st FLO RIDA Performs His Hit Record Right Round In Court
♬ original sound - Gettothebag1st
Dillard's suit claims that his involvement with Celsius helped lift the company out of dire financial straits. The Times points to the company's stock price now trading for more than $106 per share, compared to its former worth of less than $1 at the time the artist joined the company.
He claims that his promotion of the Celsius brand, and his collaboration with the company on a beverage powder called "Flo Fusion," led to millions of dollars in profits and distribution deals with the likes of 7-Eleven — successes which Dillard argues would have triggered the endorsement bonuses he claims Celsius did not notify him about.
Celsius' lawyers argue the bonuses did not extend beyond the expiration of the 2014 endorsement deal, and that the company's growth came years after ending their partnership with Dillard, and the Times quotes an opening statement in which an attorney claims, "This entire lawsuit is based on greed. Why are we here?... because Celsius finally started doing well in the stock market."
The Times also notes that during a December hearing, a judge ruled that the case will be decided by a jury.
