SNOOP'S CIVIL BEATING TRIAL BEGINS: Opening statements took place Friday in lawsuit filed by man claiming rapper beat him on stage.

(April 27, 2009)Email to a friend | Print Friendly Buzz up!
*Opening statements began Friday in the civil trial against Snoop Dogg, who is accused of severely beating up a man during a 2005 concert in Seattle.

Richard Monroe, Jr. sued the rapper claiming he suffered serious injuries at the hands of Snoop and his entourage after jumping onstage during their show. Monroe seeks $22 million in damages and punitive penalties against the artist, whose real name is Calvin Broadus.

According to the Associated Press, Monroe's suit states he thought he had permission to join Snoop onstage during a performance of "Gin and Juice," but was beaten and robbed by the performer and members of his entourage.

The star of E! reality show "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood" attended one day of jury selection earlier this week, and was present in court as a tape of the incident was shown to jurors during opening statements by Monroe's attorneys