Post Malone is facing a lawsuit from a former limo driver who alleges he was never compensated for his appearance in the 2020 music video for “Tommy Lee,” despite promises of payment. The driver, Larry Deuel, claims his unpaid cameo has led to significant financial and reputational damages, and he is seeking millions in compensation.
The lawsuit was filed on October 17, 2025, in Utah’s Fourth District Court, naming both Post Malone and his collaborator Tyla Yaweh as defendants. Deuel, who works as a teacher and part-time limousine driver, is suing for fraudulent inducement, misappropriation of name and likeness, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and other related claims. According to the complaint, the incident dates back to 2020 when Deuel was hired through his employer to drive the artists to Malone’s ranch for the “Tommy Lee” music video shoot.
Upon arrival, Deuel alleges that Post Malone and Tyla Yaweh asked him to step in front of the camera and participate in the video. They reportedly told him he would be “taken care of” for his time, which Deuel interpreted as a promise of financial compensation. He agreed and was featured prominently in the video, performing tasks such as unrolling a red carpet, opening car doors, and standing beside his limousine in multiple scenes. His role was described as critical in portraying the video’s theme of wealth, power, and celebrity privilege.
Despite these verbal assurances, Deuel claims he never received any payment for his performance. He also emphasizes that he never signed a release form granting the artists the rights to use his name, image, and likeness in the video. The “Tommy Lee” video was released commercially in June 2020 and became a hit, peaking at No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and amassing over 97 million views on YouTube, with hundreds of millions more streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.
Deuel argues that the commercial success of the video highlights the value of his contribution and the injustice of not being paid. Over the past five years, he has made numerous attempts to resolve the dispute privately. These efforts included contacting Sony Music, Better Noise Music, Post Malone’s management team, and even sending a legal letter to Malone’s Utah home in August 2025. However, the complaint states that the letter was laughed at and refused by Post Malone’s security, further complicating the matter.
In the lawsuit, Deuel is seeking $10 million in damages, which includes punitive damages and disgorgement of profits derived from the video. He details the emotional and financial strain the situation has caused, affecting his life as an educator and chauffeur. The case brings to light broader issues in the entertainment industry regarding the fair treatment and compensation of background participants and unsung contributors.
As of now, neither Post Malone nor Tyla Yaweh has publicly responded to the allegations. The lawsuit underscores the importance of clear agreements and proper compensation in creative collaborations, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. This case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the entertainment business.