Rappers Snoop Dogg and Master P have filed a lawsuit against cereal maker Post Consumer Brands and retailer Walmart alleging sabotage of their new cereal line.
The rappers claim Post agreed to manufacture and distribute their Snoop Cereal items but undermined sales by making the products difficult to find and jacking up prices.
Walmart allegedly pulled Snoop Cereal from shelves after initial success and concealed the cereals, charging over $10 per box. The suit argues this exploitation hurt minority entrepreneurs.
“The actions by Post Foods and Walmart demonstrate cynical disregard and exploitation of minority entrepreneurs in the business world,” said Broadus Foods’ attorney Ben Crump. “If this is how celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Master P are treated by corporate America, just imagine how lesser-known Black entrepreneurs and small-business owners are treated by powerful corporations.”
Snoop Dogg and Master P launched Broadus Foods in 2022 to create a family legacy brand and donate profits to charity. But they say Post never intended to fulfill its deal to share revenues.
Post states it invested substantially but consumer demand fell short. Walmart claims many factors affect product sales. Both companies plan to respond to the lawsuit accordingly.
“Many factors affect the sales of any given product, including consumer demand, seasonality and price to name a few,” the spokesperson told The Los Angeles Times. “We will respond as appropriate with the court once we are served with the complaint.”
The rappers assert Post and Walmart cynical dismissal ruined their goal of diversifying the cereal industry and helping their communities. Their lawsuit seeks accountability for the alleged duplicity.