Music mogul Dame Dash faces a default judgment in a defamation lawsuit filed by producer Josh Webber. Court documents from February 18 reveal Judge John F. Walter’s decision, citing Dash’s repeated violations of court orders, including failure to schedule mediation and submit pre-trial documents. The judge has given Webber until March 3 to provide evidence of damages incurred.
Judge Issues Default Judgment in Dame Dash Defamation Case
The lawsuit centers on Dash’s March 30, 2024, appearance on the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast. During the interview, Dash alleged that Webber and attorney Chris Brown had wronged him in a previous lawsuit. Dash stated, “I had a judgment. And I knew this dickhead Chris Brown (pause) and Josh Webber (pause) and Muddy Waters…Chris Brown the lawyer. I went through four trials with the same lawyer…What I lost was defamation because these guys trigger me and steal my shit…you think there is freedom of speech, it’s really not.”
Webber contends that Dash’s remarks led to the cancellation of a $4 million contract to direct a film starring Billy Bob Thornton and Scott Eastwood. This legal dispute traces back to 2016 when Dash was initially set to direct the film “Dear Frank.” However, he was removed from the project due to concerns about his professionalism. Webber and Muddy Water Pictures claimed Dash was frequently under the influence on set. They completed the film without his involvement.
In 2019, Webber and his team sued Dash for copyright infringement and defamation, alleging he attempted to market “Dear Frank” as his own work under the title “The List.” Dash argued that the film was shot at his residence using his equipment and that the footage was taken without his consent. In 2022, the jury ruled in favor of Webber.
Financial Troubles and Legal Battles
Dash’s financial and legal challenges extend beyond this case. His 33.3% stake in Roc-A-Fella Records was auctioned to address substantial debts, including unpaid child support and tax liabilities. Despite the auction, Webber has not received any compensation from the proceeds. Additionally, Dash owes $193,000 in back child support and faces lawsuits from photographer Monique Bunn and writer Edwyna Brooks. He also has an $8 million tax debt to New York State.
Following the auction, Webber sought ownership documents from Dash, aiming to acquire assets from Dash’s media company, Poppington, LLC, or copyrights to films he produced. Webber’s legal team has also filed to have Dash’s engagement ring auctioned to satisfy the judgment.
As these legal proceedings continue, Dash’s professional and personal challenges appear far from resolution.