Rapper in the doghouse
2004-06-14 11:54
New York - Rapper DMX, who growls and barks through most of his records, has landed in the legal doghouse with a company that claims he breached an agreement to promote its line of high-end doggie-wear.
Amusing Diversions Inc alleged in court papers that when it signed a promotion agreement with DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, it was unaware of his involvement in dogfighting or his conviction on animal cruelty charges.
Agents for the 33-year-old rapper, who recorded the hit Get at Me Dog, said in court papers that he had recorded "dog awareness" radio spots urging people to be kind to their animals. Those announcements reflected his "positive connection with dogs", they said.
But Amusing Diversions, in its filing this week in Manhattan's state Supreme Court, said his radio spots were "part of a community service obligation judicially imposed upon him" for animal cruelty.
DMX pleaded guilty to the cruelty charges in 2002 after officials found 14 pit bulls living in filthy conditions at his New Jersey home. He was fined and ordered to do the ads.
Lawyers for DMX did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Michael Rovell, lawyer for Amusing Diversions, said the company signed DMX last June and paid him $15 000 to help sell leather jackets, bubble jackets with fur trim, sports jerseys and other high-end "urban" dog wear.
Rovell said on Friday that DMX had done "nothing, not a thing" to support his end of the deal. He never mentioned the products during various TV appearances despite promises to do so, court papers say.
The lawsuit alleged fraud and breach of contract and sought return of the $15 000 paid to DMX, plus $75 000 the company claimed it invested to promote the clothing line.
- AP