Eminem Requests Protective Order Against ‘RHOP’ Stars
Rap icon Eminem has requested a protective order against RHOP stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon in their hotly contested legal battle.
In February 2022, the RHOP stars filed to trademark their podcast’s name with the intent to begin selling products. Eminem argued that the podcast Reasonably Shady could “cause confusion in the minds of consumers.” Eminem, or Marshall Mathers, has gone by the nicknames Slim Shady and Shady since he first arrived on the rap scene in the 90’s.
In March 2023, the pair’s lawyer told Page Six that their clients would not back down from a legal fight. “Robyn Dixon and Gizelle Bryant deny any likelihood of confusion between Mather’s trademarks and their Reasonably Shady mark,” attorney, Andrea Evans said. “We are prepared to defend any allegations against them regarding their intellectual property.”
Evans argues that Eminem is more than qualified to attend a deposition. “The main issue now is that Mathers is refusing to be deposed,” she said. “Mathers is the owner of the marks at issue and his attorneys are saying he doesn’t have information about the marks. We have filed a motion to compel Mathers to be deposed. It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be made available to be deposed.”
Eminem Files For Protective Order
According to documents obtained by All Hip Hop, the Michigan-born rapper argues that his nicknames are part of his brand. “The marks Slim Shady and Shady have become an extremely valuable symbol of Mathers, his reputation and goodwill.”
In the protective order filed by Eminem, his legal team questioned the need to require him in court. “As a threshold matter, Applicants’ Motion to Compel is premature and procedurally improper as Applicants have yet to serve Opposer with a notice of deposition. A necessary prerequisite to taking and requesting that the Board compel a deposition,” Eminem’s lawyers contend.
“Opposer’s Motion to Compel the deposition of Mathers is also premature and unwarranted. Despite Opposer’s expression that the deposition would be both duplicative and unduly burdensome given Mathers’ limited knowledge of the subjects at issue. His absence of unique knowledge of the subjects at issue and others’ superior knowledge of said issues. Applicants have made no attempt to obtain the discovery they seek via more convenient and less burdensome means.”
Eminem states that members of his team are more qualified to answer questions regarding his Shady trademark. The rapper believes that Bryant and Dixon are overreaching in their argument. “Opposer has offered to produce three other individuals having equal and superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topics,” his lawyer wrote.
Bryant And Dixon Get Reasonably Shady
In 2021, Bryant and Dixon decided to launch their very own podcast, Reasonably Shady. The podcast describes the series as a show that “features conversations about being fearless women as they recount stories from their exciting lives.”
While speaking to Essence in a November 2023 interview, the RHOP stars discussed what the show meant to them. “It’s been such a blessing,” Dixon says. “And it is really a joy because we’re able to really show who we are outside of the cameras.” Bryant adds, “It kind of takes us away from the Potomac show space. And allows us to just say all the nonsense that we say and just dig deep into our relationship and just have fun.”
According to Bryant, the name of the podcast has some wholesome origins. “So, I was thinking of something that would incorporate both of our personalities, but also our friendship as a whole,” Bryant said. “And so typically, I’m a very reasonable person. I’m always trying to look at all sides to a story. I’m always trying to give someone the benefit of the doubt. I always look at people as humans and not being perfect, and I’m not quick to jump to conclusions. Gizelle, on the other hand.”
What do you think of the court battle? Does Eminem have a valid case? Let us know your opinion in the comments section.
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