Ice Cube is reportedly suing popular stock trading app Robinhood for allegedly using his likeness without his permission.
According to TMZ, the gangsta rap pioneer filed the suit earlier this week after he discovered a Robinhood newsletter with his face on it and a play on his infamous “Check Yo’ Self” line in the caption — “Correct Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself” — to endorse their new Snacks brand.
In the legal documents, Cube reportedly said Robinhood is the “antithesis of everything he stands for” and referred to their products and services as “horrible.” Cube also suggested Robinhood has an issue with his business partner Jeff Kwatinetz who also has an impending lawsuit against the company and this is their way of antagonizing Kwatinetz.
But Robinhood has already pushed back, denying they did anything illegal.
“No, we didn’t use his image without permission,” a spokesperson told the outlet. “The image was licensed and used for non-commercial, editorial purposes in connection with a blog article.”
A source reportedly close to Ice Cube begs to differ, saying, “This is Robinhood exhibiting lack of respect for the law or the people they hurt. Ice Cube did not license his image nor his lyrics printed next to his picture and would never endorse Robinhood.
“When asked to take it down because he was offended, Robinhood refused. In addition, calling blatant propaganda for Robinhood’s trading app and online services merely ‘editorial use’ shows someone needs to send their lawyer back to school.”