Legends Drake and LeBron James are facing a serious lawsuit involving their upcoming documentary, Black Ice. The documentary focuses on early segregation in the Canadian hockey league, and on the history of it’s Black hockey players.
According to HipHop DX, the two stars are being sued by the former head of the NBA players union, Bill Hunter, for $10 million. Hunter claims he owns the legal rights to produce a movie about the 1895 Canadian hockey league. He is accusing the stars of somehow “stealing” rights. In his lawsuit, Hunter states Drake and LeBron used their production team to sign a deal with George and Darril Fosty, the creators of Black Ice: The Lost History of the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes. Hunter claims he paid $265,000 to the Fosty brothers in order to gain exclusive rights to create a movie.
The stars are seeking to make a documentary and not a movie, so the Fosty’s believe that they did not violate their agreement.
Drake and Lebron James continue to executive produce Black Ice!
Back in July of 2021, it was revealed that Drake and LeBron would be executive producing Black Ice. The documentary will explore the history surrounding the early pioneers of the Colored Hockey League in Maritimes Canada all the way to today’s National Hockey League and its paltry number of Black players. Hopefully this will shine a light on the historical marginalization of Black hockey players. Bill Hunter says the claim the Fosty’s have made are “absurd and made in bad faith.” However, Darril Fosty states he and his brother believe the lawsuit is “unwarranted and frivolous.” The brothers will take action through their legal team as Hunter continues to fight for a profit.
The documentary will premiere Saturday, September 10th, at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
We are so pleased to announce that members of the HDA will be taking part in the upcoming documentary BLACK ICE alongside @kingjames & @Drake .It will premier at TIFF Sept 10.
These are the types of stories we are passionate about being involved in, uplifting the BIPOC community. pic.twitter.com/fKs2qnlcKe— Hockey Diversity Alliance (@TheOfficialHDA) September 5, 2022
In other related news, Fm Hip-Hop reports on the “striking” similarities between Drizzy and James. For decades, the rapper and basketball player have remained active and successful in their respective fields. As the duo continues to expand their portfolios, they’re always making their way to the top, wether it’s on the charts or the court.
Stephanie Kinberg
Instagram @OfficialWaveyS
Twitter @OfficialWaveyS