LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Renowned American rappers Snoop Dogg and Master P have filed a lawsuit against Walmart and Post Consumer Brands, accusing the supermarket giant and food manufacturing company of undermining their cereal brand.
In the lawsuit filed on Tuesday, the rappers allege that Walmart and Post Consumer Brands deliberately concealed boxes of Snoop Cereal and falsely claimed it was out of stock. According to their lawyer, Benjamin Crump, this action reflects a “blatant disregard” for a black-owned business.
Both Walmart and Post Consumer Brands have responded by citing low sales as the reason for the product’s unavailability. Walmart stated that it has a “strong history of supporting entrepreneurs” and attributed the lack of availability to multiple factors affecting product sales.
Snoop Dogg and Master P established their own food company, Broadus Foods, in 2022, specializing in producing breakfast cereals, pancake mix, maple syrup, and more. The lawsuit alleges that Post attempted to stifle Broadus Foods’ success after the rappers refused to sell their company to the manufacturer, though they did agree to a partnership where Post would produce and distribute the products to major retailers.
Mr. Crump claims that Walmart and Post Consumer Brands “ensured that Snoop Cereal would not be available to consumers” in a deliberate effort to eliminate any profit for Broadus Foods. He asserts that “Post essentially worked with Walmart to ensure that none of the boxes of Snoop Cereal would ever appear on the store shelves.” The lawsuit also included footage showing Walmart employees claiming the product was out of stock, only to later discover unopened shipments of Snoop Cereal in the storeroom.
In response to the lawsuit, Post Consumer Brands expressed disappointment that consumer demand did not meet their expectations, despite making substantial investments in Broadus Foods. Walmart stated that it would respond accordingly once it had reviewed the full complaint.
This legal battle signifies an ongoing struggle for black-owned businesses and sheds light on the challenges they face in the corporate landscape. It raises questions about fair business practices and the treatment of diverse entrepreneurs in the industry, prompting discussions about equality and representation.