The “real Slim Shady” is opposing The Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon’s request to please stand up in court. Eminem, 51, has requested a protective order against the two reality stars on Dec. 15 in their ongoing trademark dispute case regarding their trademark application for the name of the Reasonably Shady podcast, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.
In the filing, the rapper (whose real name is Marshall Mathers III) opposed the TV personalities’ request made in late October that he appear in person for a deposition. The Grammy winner — who has long been recognized by the Slim Shady and Shady monikers and owns the trademark to use on his merch and records — cited in the filing that it would be “unduly burdensome” for him to be deposed himself due to his “limited knowledge of the subjects at issue.”
Because of that, the filing offered three other names — including the rapper’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg — who have “superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topics” and are able to appear at the deposition in his absence.
The documents also argued that the motion filed by Bryant, 53, and Dixon, 44, was “premature and procedurally improper,” as they “have yet to serve” Mathers, who first opposed their trademark application back in February 2023.
Eminem’s lawyer did not immediately return PEOPLE’s request for comment. Bryant and Dixon’s attorney Andrea Evans shared a statement with PEOPLE about their recent motion for deposition.
“It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be made available to be deposed,” Evans said, stating that their team would “like to question Mathers at least about his use of the expressions Slim Shady and Shady.”
“It’s unclear to us that Mathers can be the owner of the trademarks and file this suit against our clients but he will not make himself available to be deposed,” Evans added.
According to Eminem’s recent filing, his personal manager and business partner Rosenberg, whom he has worked with since 1997, is willing to be deposed due to his “first-hand knowledge of” Mathers and his SHADY marks.
“It was under Rosenberg’s direction that Mathers registered SHADY marks asserted in this case,” the documents read.
The filing also states that Eminem “is removed from the daily activities and details that comprise the use and promotion of” his SHADY marks, even though he is “the listed owner and signatory of the asserted trademark registrations.”
Eric Hahn, the Chief Marketing Officer of Universal Music Group subsidiary Fame House, was also listed in the documents as a name able to be deposed, due to his knowledge surrounding the advertising of the marks. Stuart Parr, who has handled the performer’s licensing for many years, was mentioned, as well.
The “Lose Yourself” artist originally filed an opposition against The Real Housewives of Potomac stars in February, stating that he believes his brand will be damaged if the trademark is granted and that it could cause “confusion.”
The document read, “The marks Slim Shady and Shady have become and are an extremely valuable symbol of Mathers, his reputation and goodwill.”
In other news – Paul Walker’s daughter announces she is divorcing husband after three years
Paul Walker’s daughter Meadow Walker has shared the devastating news she is divorcing her husband Louis Thornton-Allan after three years of marriage. The daughter, 25, of the late Fast and Furious movie legend Paul shared the heartbreaking relationship update on Instagram. She wrote: “Statement from the two of us. After three wonderful years of marriage, we have agreed to amicably separate.
“This is truly a united decision and we sincerely hope everyone can respect our wishes for privacy. We maintain mutual love and respect for one another, and will continue to support one another.” Read More
