- Rapper Eminem has filed for protection
- He wants an order against two 'Real Housewives of Potomac' stars
- THESE are the details of the request
The rap world collides with reality TV as Eminem, the lyrical genius behind the infamous "Slim Shady" persona, throws down the legal gauntlet against 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' divas Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon. Who could have seen this story coming? Not us!
Eminem is getting serious...and that means business
In a dramatic twist, the Grammy-winning superstar is pushing back against the duo's bold move to drag him into court over their 'Reasonably Shady' podcast trademark application. It's all about the trademark of the word "Shady."
According to court documents that 'People' magazine got their hands on, Eminem is not about to stand up – at least not in court. His December 15 request for a protective order is a clear clapback at the reality stars' late October plea for his personal testimony. Eminem's stance? It's simply "unduly burdensome" for him to testify due to his "limited knowledge of the subjects at issue."
But hold up – Eminem isn't leaving the ladies hanging. He's got a trio of experts, including his right-hand man and longtime manager Paul Rosenberg, ready to step up to the mic. These insiders are touted to have "superior knowledge" on all things Shady, ready to represent in Eminem's stead.
Bryant and Dixon's lawyer, Andrea Evans, isn't having it, though. She's throwing shade Eminem's way, questioning how Mr. Mathers can own the trademarks, file a suit, and then dodge the deposition spotlight. The tension is palpable!
Eminem’s lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment. But Evans shared a statement with 'People' about their recent motion for deposition.
And so it begins...
"It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be made available to be deposed," Evans said, stating that their team would "like to question Mathers at least about his use of the expressions Slim Shady and Shady."
"It’s unclear to us that Mathers can be the owner of the trademarks and file this suit against our clients but he will not make himself available to be deposed," Evans added.
Eminem's legal eagles are also bringing in the big guns: Eric Hahn, the marketing maestro from Fame House, and Stuart Parr, the licensing legend, are named as potential deposition stars with insider info on the Shady empire's marketing and advertising strategies.
The "Lose Yourself" artist's initial opposition to the Housewives' trademark move in February was a clear message: his brand is off-limits, and any confusion is a no-go. Eminem's trademarks are more than just names; they're the "extremely valuable symbol" of his storied career and reputation.
According to Eminem’s recent filing, his personal manager Paul Rosenberg, whom he has worked with since 1997, is willing to be deposed due to his first-hand knowledge of Mathers. "It was under Rosenberg’s direction that Mathers registered SHADY marks asserted in this case," the documents read.
It also states that Eminem "is removed from the daily activities and details that comprise the use and promotion of" his SHADY marks, even though "he is the listed owner and signatory of the asserted trademark registrations."
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Millions of faithful rap fans identify Eminem with the "Shady" brand, and so, he may very well have the court of public opinion on his side, which could weigh heavily in his favor as the case moves on.
As the legal drama unfolds, fans are left wondering: will the real Slim Shady please stand up... in court? Stay tuned for the next episode in this celebrity trademark tussle!
