American rappers Snoop Dogg and Master P have filed a lawsuit against retail giant Walmart and food manufacturing company Post Consumer Brands, alleging that the companies sabotaged their cereal brand. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, claims that Walmart and Post hid boxes of Snoop Cereal and falsely stated that it was out of stock. Lawyer Benjamin Crump, known for his work in civil rights cases, has called this action a “blatant disregard” for a black-owned business.
Both Walmart and Post have responded to the allegations, pointing to low sales of the product as the reason for its unavailability. Walmart stated that it has a “strong history of supporting entrepreneurs” and that various factors can impact the sales of a product. Post expressed disappointment that consumer demand did not meet expectations.
Snoop Dogg and Master P established their own food company, Broadus Foods, in 2022. The company produces a range of breakfast cereals, pancake mix, maple syrup, and more. According to the complaint cited by US media, Post allegedly attempted to eliminate Broadus Foods from the market because the rappers refused to sell their company to the manufacturer. However, they did agree to a partnership where Post would produce and distribute their products to major retailers.
Benjamin Crump posted a video online, claiming that Walmart and Post deliberately kept Snoop Cereal hidden in the storeroom instead of placing it on store shelves. The lawsuit asserts that this action ensured that the cereal would not be available to consumers or that Broadus Foods would face excessive costs that would eliminate any profit. It also alleges that Post worked with Walmart to prevent any boxes of Snoop Cereal from appearing on store shelves.
Master P shared a video on his Instagram page, purportedly showing multiple Walmart stores not stocking the product. In the footage, unidentified Walmart employees are seen searching the store’s system, which indicates that the cereal is out of stock. However, unopened shipments of Snoop Cereal are discovered in the storeroom.
Post Consumer Brands released a statement expressing its excitement to partner with Broadus Foods and highlighting the substantial investments it made in the business. Walmart stated that it will respond appropriately to the court once it has reviewed the full complaint.
This lawsuit raises concerns about the treatment of black-owned businesses and the alleged actions of major corporations in suppressing competition. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the relationship between entrepreneurs and established companies in the food industry. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how Walmart and Post will address these allegations and defend their actions.
In a society that values fair competition and equal opportunities for all businesses, it is crucial to examine cases like this to ensure that no company, regardless of its size or influence, can hinder the success of a black-owned business. The lawsuit filed by Snoop Dogg and Master P against Walmart and Post Consumer Brands sheds light on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in an industry dominated by established players. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched by both the business community and advocates for equal opportunity.
