Gunna Sues Concert Promoters Over Unpaid Performance Fees

Rapper Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, has filed a lawsuit against concert promoters for failing to pay him a total of $750,000 for a performance at the X Games in Aspen, Colorado, scheduled for January 22, 2026. The lawsuit, initiated by Gunna Touring LLC in California, claims that he was misled into performing by Mickle and Mickle Productions and its CEO, Daphney Mickle Golden, who allegedly operated under a fictitious business name. Gunna's legal team asserts that they have been unable to find any legitimate business registration for Mickle and Mickle, raising questions about its existence.

Gunna Sues X Games concert promoters for failing to pay his feeBillboardComplex

The contract stipulated a guaranteed payment of $500,000, with an additional $250,000 fee if payment was not received by the end of the performance. Gunna's attorneys contend that despite assurances from the promoters regarding funding sources—including international gold commodities and sponsorship from a major alcohol brand—no payment was ever made. The lawsuit describes a "coordinated scheme" involving additional defendants, including Stars in Action, Inc. and its CEO, Raiza Rangl, who allegedly facilitated the event and assured Gunna's team of secure payment.

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Following the performance, Gunna's team faced significant financial repercussions, including a blocked credit card that left them responsible for a $50,000 hotel bill. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages for civil conspiracy and aiding and abetting fraud, holding Golden and her attorney, Ezekiel Bottorff, personally liable for the alleged $750,000 debt.

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Gunna's complaint highlights a series of misleading claims made by the promoters, including assertions that funds were tied up in complex transactions involving multiple nations. The lawsuit emphasizes that no funds from any of the promised sources were ever secured or deployed to fulfill Gunna's contractual obligations.

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A representative for the X Games clarified that Gunna's performance was not affiliated with the event itself, stating that he performed at a party the night before the competition. This distinction is significant, as it underscores that the X Games is not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, due to an indemnity agreement signed by Bottorff on behalf of the alleged fictitious company.

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While Gunna's legal team maintains that the promoters engaged in fraudulent behavior, the defendants have not publicly responded to the allegations. The lack of immediate comment from the promoters raises questions about their defense strategy and the legitimacy of their claims regarding funding sources.

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As the lawsuit progresses, it will be crucial to monitor any developments regarding the defendants' responses and the potential for further legal actions. Gunna's case highlights the complexities and risks associated with contractual agreements in the entertainment industry, particularly when dealing with unverified promoters.

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