politics
Rapper files arbitration claim seeking refund from lobbying firm
The rapper paid a lobbying firm $600,000 in September 2025 to seek a presidential pardon for federal gun charges. The firm did not obtain the pardon by the January 1 deadline, and the rapper later filed an arbitration claim seeking a $300,000 refund.
Jul 18, 11:01 AM·1m read1 source
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A Louisiana rapper paid a lobbying firm $600,000 in September 2025 to seek a presidential pardon for federal gun charges from 2023. m. on January 1, the firm would refund $300,000. The rapper's attorney stated that the contract included the refund provision and that the firm should honor it.
A White House aide later told the rapper's attorney that no pardon application had been received.
Arbitration filing and public statements The rapper filed a claim with the American Arbitration Association on March 25 seeking return of half the retainer. On July 14 the rapper posted on X that multiple individuals named by the firm had denied contact regarding the pardon effort.
The firm stated it had worked hard on the matter but said no agreement existed to refund half the fee. The firm added that it could not recall doing more work for any other client.
Prior legal matters The two lobbyists pleaded guilty in Ohio in 2022 to telecommunications fraud for an illicit robocall campaign. They also reached a settlement with New York Attorney General Letitia James to pay a $1.5 million fine for similar conduct.
