Drake, the Canadian music sensation, and popular Kick streamer Adin Ross, alongside the online gambling platform Stake, are now facing a class action lawsuit. Filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the lawsuit accuses the defendants of engaging in illegal gambling promotions. This federal RICO case seeks $5 million in damages, alleging that the group has exploited Stake’s features for illicit activities.
According to a report by Loren LoRosa on Twitter, the lawsuit claims that Drake, Ross, and Stake, along with co-defendant George Nguyen, have utilized Stake’s “tipping” function to transfer money among themselves. The plaintiffs, identified as LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, argue that these financial maneuvers were aimed at artificially inflating Drake’s music streams across various digital distribution platforms.
The allegations are serious. The lawsuit details how the defendants purportedly funded what is characterized as “botting” to generate fraudulent streams of Drake’s music. This method allegedly served to fabricate the artist’s popularity, undermine competitors, and manipulate recommendation algorithms. The filing specifies that the defendants concealed these financial transfers by presenting them as “giveaways” that were not accessible to the general public.
Among the claims, the lawsuit highlights a notable $100,000 transfer between Ross and Drake in 2023, as well as a $220,000 car that Stake reportedly gifted to Ross shortly before the lawsuit was filed on December 31, 2023. The plaintiffs argue that such transactions were part of a larger scheme to engage in fraudulent streaming practices and create an artificially inflated market presence.
Drake has recently been in the spotlight for his charitable endeavors, including a live stream event featuring Adin Ross where he gave away a portion of his earnings from Stake. This backdrop raises questions about the nature of his involvement in the allegations outlined in the lawsuit.
Legal troubles of this nature are not new for Drake; he faced similar lawsuits last year in New Mexico and Missouri, underscoring a troubling pattern. As the case unfolds, the implications for both Drake and Ross could significantly impact their public personas and business ventures, particularly in the realm of online gambling and entertainment.
LoRosa has noted that she reached out to Drake’s team for comment but has yet to receive a response. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for how online gambling platforms and their celebrity affiliates operate in the future. As it stands, the legal landscape surrounding online gambling promotions continues to evolve, drawing increased scrutiny from regulators and the public alike.
