EVEN Hit with Lawsuit Over Discrimination and Labor Violation Claims

Direct-to-consumer superfan platform EVEN has been hit with a lawsuit by former employee Damien “DDot” Washington. As per Digital Music News, the New York City-filed federal lawsuit alleges “specific instances of conspiracy to commit violence against industry competitors, fraudulent data, unethical business practices, and more.”

The allegations:

• DDot is accusing EVEN and its CEO, Enrique “Mag” Rodriguez, of discrimination, retaliation, wage violations, and wrongful termination.

• He alleges he was discriminated against because of his race and gender and denied a promotion, as per The Jasmine Brand.

• He claims to have been misclassified as an independent contractor, even though he worked full time (70+ hour weeks), depriving him of overtime pay, benefits and more.

• Upon raising his concerns, he claims he was stripped of duties and, ultimately, fired.

Separate suit:

• DDot features as a co-defendant in a separate lawsuit filed against EVEN by Babygrande Records.

• As per Digital Music News, he says he was “randomly added” because of his reach and prior position in the company.

Timing:

• DDot’s legal action comes shortly after rapper and producer – and equity shareholder in EVEN – J. Cole rolled out his new album on the platform.

• 21 Savage, Joji, Brent Faiyaz and LaRussell (another equity shareholder) have also worked with EVEN recently.

• The lawsuit follows the announcement of a multi-year agreement between EVEN and Universal Music Group.

Damages:

• DDot is pursuing compensation for lost wages, unpaid earnings, emotional distress, and any additional remedies available under federal and New York state law.

Statement on behalf of EVEN:

Mr. Washington's false claims should be considered in the context of his own words when he was informed that he was named in the Babygrande lawsuit on October 30, 2024. This image is from the public docket in that case. Mr. Washington knows this text exchange is in the public record, and still filed this frivolous lawsuit. The facts will continue to demonstrate that all of Mr. Washington’s claims are baseless and false.