LMFAO Accuses Rick Ross Of Deliberate Delays In Lawsuit

Pop duo LMFAO has filed new court documents in the copyright infringement lawsuit between themselves and Rick Ross. The new documents, according to Radar Online, allege that Ross is deliberately attempting to draw out the discovery process in order to cause LMFAO to fold due to their legal fees.

Specifically, Redfoo and Sky Blu are stating that Rick Ross’s lawyers made “a conscious, strategic decision to delay certain discovery.”

The duo is also stating that Ross is delaying the case by drawing out the discovery phase. The discovery phase is when both parties in a lawsuit share relevant documents and depose key witnesses. The prosecution has already deposed Sky Blu; allegedly, the pop duo told the prosecution that Redfoo would only be available for deposition in July. Redfoo was not deposed at that time, but now lawyers for Rick Ross are saying that it is essential. Lawyers for LMFAO say that deposing Redfoo will share no more information than for Sky Blu, and that the lawsuit should move to trial immediately.

Rolling Stone reported on why Rick Ross is suing LMFAO back in January. Ross alleged that the refrain from LMFAO’s popular 2010 song “Party Rock Anthem” — precisely, “Everday I’m shufflin” — was directly derivative of Ross’ 2006 song, “Hustlin.” Rick Ross is seeking maximum damages, as well as an injunction.

Give it up @rickyrozay. Your window of opportunity to sue has pretty much closed… http://t.co/rgMNbdCvql

— Hollywood.com (@hollywood_com) January 11, 2014

In May, LMFAO responded by saying yes, they did riff off the line in Ross’ song, but arguing that the sort of creative give and take they engaged in is all part and parcel of the music business.

Meanwhile, Redfoo told TMZ, “I got love for Rick Ross, that’s real… and honestly I think it’s a misunderstanding. I know if me and Rick got on the phone, if we met in person we would talk about some stuff… it’d be over, and I’m willing to do that.”

Musicians from Los Angeles, LMFAO formed in 2006, and began performing within the electric house scene. The 2010 tune “Party Rock Anthem” hit #1 on charts in 12 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. After the song was released, Redfoo and Sky Blu announced that they were on hiatus.

Rick Ross, meanwhile, was born William Leonard Roberts II. Ross founded his Maybach Music Group record label, on which he released his albums. In 2012, MTV named Ross the Hottest MC in the Game.

Ross is no stranger to lawsuits regarding creative license and fair use. In 2010, “Freeway” Ricky Ross sued Rick Ross for using his name as a stage name. The suit was dismissed in 2010. In 2011, Ross released his album Teflon Don, and was later sued by the rapper by the same name for trademark infringement.

[Image used courtesy of Wikipedia]