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Rapper Rick Ross is at the center of a legal battle after a lawsuit was filed against him and his company, Rick Ross Car Show, Inc., alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other claims.
The suit was filed by Darris Straughter, a Florida resident who claims he was denied access to Ross’ car show in June due to his disability.
According to the complaint filed on Aug. 8, Straughter, who uses a wheelchair, attended the Rick Ross Car & Bike Show at Ross’ Fayetteville estate, known as “The Promise Land.” Despite purchasing a ticket and making prior arrangements for wheelchair accessibility, Straughter alleges he was left stranded without access to the event due to a lack of accessible transportation.
“It was his first solo trip in a wheelchair,” the lawsuit claims.
Straughter claims he had communicated with the event organizers weeks in advance, informing them of his disability and requesting accommodations. In response, the organizers assured him that a wheelchair-accessible shuttle would transport him from the designated parking lot to the event. However, when he arrived, no such shuttle was available. After waiting in the hot sun for hours, Straughter says he was forced to leave without attending the event.
“I think Rick Ross and his partner may be in for a very rough ride,” said attorney and legal analyst Darryl Cohen. Cohen is not part of the Rick Ross lawsuit but broke down the implications of the 13-page document filed in Florida. “Everywhere you go — if you go to a hotel, if you go to a property, they have to be ADA compliant. They have to have wheelchair accessibility. That is what the law is. But it’s more than the law. It’s what’s right.”
The lawsuit, which seeks damages exceeding $50,000, accuses Rick Ross and his company of breach of contract, negligence, and violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), among other claims. It also references public statements made by Ross after the event, including one on social media in which he allegedly mocked those who were unable to attend, saying, “300 acres, but everyone couldn’t make it, ha.”
Straughter’s complaint highlights his personal story, noting that he was paralyzed in a 2018 shooting and has since overcome significant challenges to maintain his independence.
As reported in June, the 3rd Annual Rick Ross Car & Bike Show at “The Promise Land” drew massive crowds and showcased a wide array of luxury and classic cars. The event also caused significant traffic disruptions in Fayetteville, leading to a heavy police presence and road closures. The logistical challenges of hosting such a large event were noted, though accessibility issues were not highlighted then.
11Alive has reached out to Ross’ representation for comment on the situation.
