Key facts
- M.I.A. is suing Kid Cudi for $2.8 million.
- The lawsuit claims M.I.A. was removed from the "Rebel Ragers Tour" due to "offensive remarks" on stage.
- M.I.A.'s contract reportedly guaranteed payment regardless of her on-stage statements.
- The lawsuit alleges her termination was intended to generate publicity for the struggling tour.
- M.I.A. claims Kid Cudi directed Live Nation to fire her and portrayed himself as protecting fans.
Rapper M.I.A., whose full name is Mathangi Maya Arulpragasam, has filed a $2.8 million lawsuit against fellow rapper Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi). The lawsuit stems from her removal from Kid Cudi's "Rebel Ragers Tour" in May, following on-stage remarks she made during a Dallas concert. M.I.A. claims that the tour promoter, Live Nation, had a $2.8 million guarantee agreement with her and her company, Neet Touring LLP, which was to be paid irrespective of her statements. The lawsuit asserts that M.I.A. was contractually permitted to express herself freely on stage and that her termination was a calculated move by Kid Cudi to generate publicity for a tour that was reportedly struggling with ticket sales. M.I.A. alleges that Kid Cudi directed Live Nation to fire her and then presented himself as an aggrieved headliner protecting his fans. Kid Cudi, however, stated that he had informed M.I.A.'s team prior to the tour that he did not want offensive content at his shows and that he received assurances that this understanding was shared. He cited messages from fans upset by her rants as the reason for her removal. M.I.A. has publicly challenged Kid Cudi's narrative, asserting her right to freedom of expression and accusing him of gaslighting her words and misrepresenting her past work and political stances. Kid Cudi's "Rebel Ragers Tour" features supporting acts and donates $1 per ticket sold to The Big Bro Foundation, an organization supporting Black youth mental health.