M.I.A. has filed a $2.8 million lawsuit against Kid Cudi in California federal court, alleging she was unlawfully removed from the Rebel Ragers Tour in early May to boost publicity amid struggling ticket sales, per consequence.net.
The complaint, filed by Mathangi Arulpragasam, known as M.I.A., claims Kid Cudi terminated her contract after a May 3 show in Dallas. She alleges the dismissal breached her agreement with Live Nation, which granted her full creative control over her set.
According to the lawsuit, Kid Cudi was aware of her political beliefs and reputation before inviting her on the tour. The filing states she was “terminated to generate publicity for the Tour, which has struggled with ticket sales”.
The dispute follows M.I.A.’s Dallas performance, where audience members booed remarks she made on stage. She said the comments referenced her song “ILLYGIRL,” though some interpreted them as political. The complaint also cites her telling the crowd she had “been cancelled for many things. I never thought I’d be cancelled for being a Republican voting American”. She later clarified on social media that she cannot vote in the US.
Kid Cudi, named in the suit as Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, said in a statement after the show that he would not have “someone on my tour making offensive remarks that upsets my fanbase”. M.I.A.’s lawsuit calls the statement “riddled with falsehoods” and alleges he induced Live Nation to break its contract with her company, Neet Touring.
The complaint states Kid Cudi requested Live Nation add M.I.A. to the tour and that she was guaranteed just over $2.8m for the dates. Following her removal, she says a private-event offer worth nearly $300,000 was rescinded, alongside merchandise and licensing deals. The suit also claims she and her son received death threats.
M.I.A. is seeking payment of the $2.8m guarantee, plus punitive damages and legal fees. The lawsuit notes she endorsed Donald Trump in 2024.
The Rebel Ragers Tour, which launched in early May and is promoted by Live Nation, is ongoing. Kid Cudi has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. Live Nation did not immediately comment.
Upcoming dates continue through June 27, with special guests including Big Boi, A-Trak and Dot Da Genius. Kid Cudi and M.I.A. have both maintained active recording and touring careers since the 2000s.
•Featured image: Kid Cudi (photo by Philip Cosores) / M.I.A. (photo byBen Kaye
