Drake and Adin Ross Hit with New Lawsuit Over Stake Partnership
UPDATE: Canadian rapper Drake and popular streamer Adin Ross are facing legal trouble once again as they have been hit with a new federal class-action lawsuit over their partnership with Stake, a platform accused of fraudulent marketing practices. The lawsuit, filed on December 31, 2023, in Virginia, claims the duo misled customers about the platform’s operations.
Plaintiffs LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines allege that Stake has been operating as one of the largest illegal online casinos since at least 2022. They argue that Stake falsely presents itself as a site where users can play with fake money, while in reality, customers are spending real money, in violation of its claims that it does not offer real money gambling.
The lawsuit states, “Users are led to believe they are merely using virtual currency, but they are actually using real funds.” Stake markets itself as offering a “social, safe, and free gaming experience,” yet Ridley and Hines contend that the reality is far different. According to their allegations, users purchase gold coins under the guise of Stake Cash, which can be converted into actual U.S. dollars.
The plaintiffs have branded Drake and Ross as “zealous” and “paid” promoters of the platform, asserting that they are attempting to “mask the true nature and extent of their conduct.” The lawsuit claims that both individuals engaged in live-streamed gambling, wagering large amounts of money that were secretly provided by Stake.
In a shocking twist, the lawsuit also alleges that the duo used Stake’s internal tipping system to artificially inflate music streams for Drake. An undisclosed sum of money, including a public tip of $100,000, was allegedly used to fund “botting” services to create fraudulent streaming numbers for Drake’s music.
As of now, neither Drake nor Ross has issued an official comment regarding the allegations. This latest legal action adds to the mounting scrutiny surrounding the gambling practices of high-profile influencers and their partnerships with online gaming platforms.
Legal experts suggest that this lawsuit could have significant implications for influencer marketing and the gambling industry. Stake’s operations and the roles of celebrity promoters in misleading consumers are now under intense examination.
As this story develops, the involvement of high-profile figures like Drake and Ross raises questions about transparency and accountability in influencer partnerships. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation.
