LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 09: Snoop Dogg attends the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

The company tied to Snoop Dogg has asked a Los Angeles court to throw out a wrongful death case stemming from the killing of Drakeo the Ruler. It argues that it bears no legal responsibility for what unfolded at the 2021 festival. The rapper was fatally stabbed there.

In a motion for summary judgment, attorneys for Snoop’s limited liability company contend it had no operational control over the event in question, the “Once Upon a Time in L.A.” festival. They state the entity did not sign leasing or licensing agreements tied to Exposition Park, where the incident occurred. Moreover, they describe Snoop’s role as strictly limited to performing onstage rather than overseeing production or security decisions.

Court filings further state that company representatives were neither present for nor aware of the chain of events that led to Drakeo the Ruler’s death. The declaration asserts no involvement in hiring security staff, coordinating logistics, or communicating with individuals later connected to the attack. It also emphasizes that the company had no contact with those responsible.

Court Weighs Responsibility in Deadly Festival Lawsuit

The underlying lawsuit was filed in 2022 by Drakeo’s brother, who alleged that inadequate security measures at the festival created conditions that led to the fatal stabbing. The complaint named several parties, including Live Nation and the Los Angeles Football Club. This club operates the stadium venue where portions of the event were held.

In related proceedings, LAFC also sought dismissal through summary judgment, a request a judge granted earlier this month. That ruling marked a notable development in the broader litigation. Courts continue to weigh the extent of responsibility among the various organizers and stakeholders involved in the festival’s production and security arrangements.