Snoop Dogg LLC seeks dismissal in Drakeo the Ruler death suit

A company owned by rapper Snoop Dogg is seeking dismissal from a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of fellow rapper Drakeo the Ruler, who was fatally stabbed at a Los Angeles music festival in 2021. In court filings this week, attorneys for Snoop Dogg LLC argued the company bears no legal responsibility for the incident, as it was solely contracted to perform and had no operational control over the event’s security or management.

The lawsuit stems from the death of Darrell Caldwell, known professionally as Drakeo the Ruler. The 28-year-old artist was attacked after a fight broke out in a backstage area at the Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival on December 18, 2021. The festival was held at the stadium now known as BMO Stadium in Exposition Park. Caldwell died from his injuries the following day. No arrests have been made in the criminal case, which investigators say has been hampered by a lack of witness cooperation.

The civil complaint, originally filed in February 2022 by Drakeo’s mother, brother, and his minor son, alleges that the festival’s organizers and promoters failed to provide adequate security despite being aware of potential dangers at hip-hop events. The...