The fallout from M.I.A.’s departure from Kid Cudi’s Rebel Ragers tour has escalated into a formal legal battle. Earlier this month, the artist was removed from the 33-date tour following a series of politically charged comments made during her performances. Now, she is seeking $2.8 million in damages, alleging that her dismissal was not a result of her onstage rhetoric, but rather a calculated publicity stunt orchestrated to distract from the tour’s struggling ticket sales.

In a complaint filed on Friday, May 29, in a California federal court, the artist contends that her contract explicitly granted her full creative control over her set, including the freedom to express her political views. The filing argues that the decision to oust her was a breach of contract and a deliberate act of bad faith that has caused significant harm to her professional reputation and future business opportunities.

“She was contractually allowed to say whatever she wanted on stage,” the complaint states. “M.I.A. now holds Kid Cudi accountable for his bad faith destruction of her contractual rights, business opportunities, and reputation.”

Beyond the $2.8 million in lost tour earnings, the lawsuit outlines additional financial damages resulting from the sudden cancellation. The filing claims that the removal led to the loss of a $290,000 private booking, the cancellation of a planned merchandise pop-up event in Los Angeles, and the potential loss of a significant sync licensing deal. In addition to the $2.8 million, the artist is seeking punitive damages and coverage for her legal fees.