Publish Malone finds himself entangled in a $10 million authorized battle with a Utah limo driver who claims the Grammy-nominated artist by no means compensated him for his distinguished position in a 2020 music video.
Larry Deuel, a trainer and part-time chauffeur, filed a lawsuit in opposition to Publish Malone, rapper Tyla Yaweh, Sony Music Leisure and different events.
The grievance alleges fraudulent inducement, misappropriation of identify and likeness, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
The authorized dispute facilities round Deuel’s look within the “Tommy Lee” music video, a collaboration between Publish Malone and Tyla Yaweh launched in 2020.
In line with courtroom paperwork, Deuel was initially employed to supply transportation providers to Publish Malone’s ranch the place the video shoot was happening.
As soon as they arrived on the location, Deuel says each artists requested him to take part within the filming course of. The lawsuit states that Publish Malone and Tyla Yaweh promised Deuel he could be “taken care of” financially for his time and participation within the manufacturing.
Regardless of that includes prominently all through the music video, Deuel claims he by no means acquired any financial compensation for his look. The lawsuit additionally alleges that he by no means signed a launch type granting the artists permission to make use of his identify, picture and likeness within the closing video.
“Absent Mr. Deuel’s presence in Tommy Lee, the theme of wealth, energy, fame, privilege, and success would have been visually underwhelming, supported solely by two unkempt musicians smoking blunts using ATVs in a dust discipline,” the courtroom paperwork state.
Deuel’s authorized workforce argues that his presence was important to the video’s narrative and visible affect. The limo driver is now in search of $10 million in damages, together with punitive damages and revenue disgorgement from the defendants.
The lawsuit reveals that Deuel has spent the previous 5 years trying to resolve the matter exterior of courtroom. His most up-to-date effort concerned delivering a letter dated August 8, 2025, by way of authorized counsel to Publish Malone’s representatives.
“Publish Malone’s safety element laughed on the constable trying to serve course of and refused to simply accept service,” in line with the courtroom submitting.
The authorized motion comes throughout a very busy interval for Publish Malone, who lately celebrated the grand opening of his Nashville bar, Posty’s, on October 9. The Decrease Broadway venue attracted greater than 30,000 followers for a free live performance that includes shock friends together with Lainey Wilson and Brooks & Dunn.
Publish Malone can also be set to headline the 2026 Stagecoach Nation Music Pageant alongside Cody Johnson and Lainey Wilson. The crossover artist has efficiently transitioned between Hip-Hop and nation music, together with his latest collaborations incomes important chart success.
Neither Publish Malone nor Tyla Yaweh have issued public statements relating to the lawsuit. The case was filed on October 17, 2025.
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