Snoop Dogg’s Defamation Bombshell: $1.3 Million Lawsuit Against Pete Hegseth and Fox News

In the shadowy corridors of Los Angeles Superior Court, where the clash of reputations meets the grind of justice, Snoop Dogg—Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.—dropped a legal thunderbolt on October 27, 2025, filing a $1.3 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News host Pete Hegseth and the network, vowing to “prove libel in the court of law, not the court of public opinion.” The 53-year-old hip-hop legend, whose laid-back legacy has sold 40 million albums and built a $160 million empire, claims Hegseth’s “explosive on-air attack” on Fox & Friends wasn’t mere commentary—it was a calculated smear designed to torch his career and credibility.

A viral feud ignites a courtroom battle.

The lawsuit stems from Hegseth’s October 20, 2025, segment, where the 45-year-old former Army National Guard officer and Trump administration nominee for Secretary of Defense unleashed a tirade labeling Snoop a “failed activist and drug peddler” whose cannabis brand Leafs by Snoop “poisons American youth” and whose 2025 God Bless America moment on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was “a publicity stunt for a washed-up rapper.” Hegseth, fresh off a Senate confirmation hearing plagued by 2017 sexual assault allegations (settled for $50,000), tied Snoop’s advocacy—$1 million to youth programs and his Tennessee pet sanctuary—to “liberal propaganda.” The rant, viewed by 3.2 million, sparked #SnoopVsHegseth trending with 25 million mentions, but Snoop’s legal team argues it crossed into malice: “Hegseth knew the claims were false, yet broadcast them to destroy Snoop’s reputation and incite harassment.”

The claims: Defamation, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

The 35-page complaint, filed by Snoop’s attorneys at Lavely & Singer, alleges defamation per se, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false light invasion of privacy. Snoop seeks $1.3 million in compensatory damages—matching Leafs by Snoop’s 2024 revenue dip from boycotts—and punitive damages “exponentially higher” to deter “network punditry’s darkest corners.” “Hegseth’s words weren’t opinion—they were lies weaponized for ratings,” the filing states, citing 10,000 hate messages Snoop received post-rant, including death threats. Fox News, accused of “reckless disregard,” faces claims of enabling “calculated defamation.” Snoop’s team demands Hegseth’s on-air apology and a retraction, arguing the cost of silencing truth far outweighs any “transgression.”

Snoop’s response: Calm amid the storm.

Snoop, ever the cool under fire, addressed the suit on Instagram Live to 5 million viewers: “I ain’t here to drag—I’m here to defend. Hegseth can talk loud, but truth speaks louder.” The clip, viewed 20 million times, sparked #SnoopSues trending No. 1 globally with 35 million mentions. “Snoop’s fighting for his name like he fights for the streets,” tweeted Dr. Dre, liked 2 million times. Cardi B posted: “Dogg’s got receipts—Hegseth’s done! 💨” Even Dolly Parton added: “From ‘Jolene’ to this—Snoop’s truth shines.” TikTok flooded with edits: Hegseth’s rant synced to “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” captioned “Snoop drops the lawsuit like it’s hot.” Streams of Snoop’s catalog surged 600%, “Beautiful” climbing charts as a resilience anthem. Skeptics? Fox News called it “frivolous,” but a CNN poll showed 65% support for Snoop, with 70% believing Hegseth’s comments were “malicious.”

A history of high-stakes clashes.

This isn’t Snoop’s first legal rodeo—it’s his refusal to bend. Born November 20, 1971, in Long Beach, he rose with Doggystyle (1993, 11 million sales), surviving a 1993 murder charge acquittal and 2022’s $1.3 million fraud suit with Ice Cube (dismissed in 2023). His 2022 sexual assault lawsuit was dropped after mediation, but Hegseth’s attack dredged up shadows. “I’ve been called everything—now I’m fighting back,” Snoop told The Breakfast Club in May 2025. Shante Broadus, his wife of 28 years, backed him: “Calvin’s legacy is love—not lies.” The suit echoes his 2025 View takedown of Karoline Leavitt (#SnoopVsLeavitt, 60 million mentions), where he walked off after her “washed-up” jab.

The music world and fans rally in support.

The filing ignited a tidal wave of solidarity. Eminem tweeted: “Snoop’s suing for truth—bars in the courtroom! 🔥” P!nk posted: “Alecia here—Snoop’s heart > any hate. Fight on!” Kelly Osbourne added: “From one Osbourne to the Doggfather—silence the slander.” TikTok edits of Hegseth’s rant synced to “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” hit 30 million views, captioned “Snoop’s legal drop > any diss.” Billboard called it “2025’s boldest stand—Snoop’s soul vs. spin.” Donations to his Youth Football League spiked $800,000, fans echoing his call: “Truth over talk.” Leavitt, silent, faced 3 million #EmptyChair mentions. Fox News stock dipped 1.2% in after-hours trading amid advertiser whispers.

A reckoning in the court of law.

Snoop’s suit isn’t revenge—it’s redemption. In a 2025 world of tariff wars and polarized punditry, his stand is a beacon. “We’ll prove libel where it counts—in court, not clicks,” his attorneys vowed. The discovery phase could unearth Hegseth’s emails, echoing his 2017 assault settlement. As filings mount, one truth rings: Snoop didn’t just sue—he summoned justice. At 3:15 PM PDT, October 27, 2025, Snoop Dogg didn’t seek headlines—he sought heart, proving that when truth meets tenacity, the courtroom sings louder than the court of opinion. In a world of noise, his whisper of wisdom wins—legacy intact, legacy louder.