Ice Cube claims Qatar tried to bribe him for access to Bannon

CAIRO – 11 May 2018: Hip Hop star Ice Cube has accused U.S. President Donald Trump’s former strategist Steve Bannon of taking part in a bribery plot involving his popular Big3 basketball league, led by Qatari businessmen.

Cube has filed a lawsuit claiming that Bannon, who led Trump's presidential campaign and was a high-level adviser to the president until last August, was the target of bribes, according to the Daily Mail.

BIG3’s lawyers are suing the Qatari Investment Authority, claiming they failed to give up a $5 million dollar investment for a minority ownership stake in the league.

“Instead of coming up with the $5 million, Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani, who is the CEO Qatari Investment Authority, stalled,” the affidavit said.

"These members and associates of the royal family made excuse after excuse for not paying, all of which is documented in text messages and emails, where the blame for their failure to fund the millions they owed the BIG3 ran the gamut from their 'sinuses,' 'hiking,' it being a 'long day bro,' and to bad press regarding Qatar associations with alleged funding of terrorism."

TMZ reported that Cube and his partner Jeff Kwatinetz are now seeking $1.2 billion in damages, in order to pay $20 million to each player in the BIG3 League.

In a footage released by TMZSports, Cube was confident about winning the case. “Stay out of American sports, if you want to do the right thing,” Cube said.

Cube and his manager filed a lawsuit against multiple Qatari investors last month accusing them of only investing $7.5 million in their league after agreeing to spend $20.5 million and seeking political influence.

They claim the Qatari investors agreed to pay $11.5 million up front to sponsor the BIG3, which features retired National Basketball Association (NBA) stars, last July - plus an additional $9 million over the next three years. However, the Qataris reportedly only paid $6.5 million in advance and a further $1 million in December.

According to the affidavit, defendants Sheikh Abdullah Al Thani and Ahmed al Rumaihi, a former Qatari diplomat and alleged member of the royal family, both served as secret liaisons for the Qatari government.

Cube and Kwatinetz are being represented by LA civil rights attorney Mark Geragos, who has represented numerous celebrities in the past, including Michael Jackson and Winona Ryder.