Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, has been ordered to pay $4 million in a defamation lawsuit filed by filmmaker Josh Webber. The judgment was issued after Dash failed to comply with court orders, including skipping mandatory mediation sessions and neglecting to submit required pre-trial documents. These violations led the California judge to rule against Dash, citing his repeated non-compliance.
Origins of the Legal Dispute
The conflict stems from Dash’s appearance on the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast in March 2024, where he made defamatory remarks about Webber. Dash accused Webber and attorney Chris Brown of theft.
Webber claimed that Dash’s comments led to the loss of a $4 million directing and producing opportunity for a film starring Billy Bob Thornton. He asserted that the defamatory remarks, which garnered significant online attention, severely damaged his professional reputation and resulted in the project’s cancellation.
Previous Legal Entanglements
This is not Dash’s first legal confrontation with Webber. In a prior case involving the film “Dear Frank,” Dash was ordered to pay Webber and other producers over $800,000 for defamation and copyright infringement. Despite no longer being associated with the film, Dash continued to market it under a new title, leading to the lawsuit.
The $4 million judgment adds to Dash’s ongoing financial and legal challenges. Reports indicate that his 33.3% stake in Roc-A-Fella Records was sold at a public auction to help satisfy previous debts. Additionally, Dash has faced legal issues related to unpaid child support and other financial obligations.
As of now, Dash has not publicly commented on the recent judgment. The court’s decision underscores the significant consequences that can arise from public statements and the importance of adhering to legal obligations.