9 Investigates

Rapper Pitbull releases contract with state after criticism

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Rapper Pitbull on Thursday released on Twitter his contract that he had signed with Visit Florida to promote the Sunshine State after criticism that the singer was not being transparent.

The state of Florida paid rapper Pitbull to promote Florida's beaches and hotels.

Channel 9 investigative reporter Christopher Heath reported Wednesday that Pitbull and Visit Florida were not going to release the contract, calling it a "trade secret." State leaders demanded to know how much money was spent on Pitbull, and the House speaker threatened to sue if that information was not released.

According to Pitbull's contract with Visit Florida from June 2015 to July 2016, the Latin artist would be paid no more than $1 million to promote the state through a music video, hashtags and guest appearances. That amount did not include pre-approved travel and production expenses.

"If you look at it from a media perspective, in terms of impressions and reach, it's not a lot of money," said Wilson Camelo with Camelo Communication.

Camelo said a celebrity like Pitbull targets a specific audience and that it's not uncommon for their contracts to be private.

9 Investigates first reported on the issue last year, when it was revealed that the contract between Pitbull and the state-funded group was confidential.

Florida House-Speaker Richard Corcoran is suing promotion group PDR Productions, which represents Pitbull tto show taxpayers how much money was spent hiring the rapper to promote Florida’s sun, sand and surf.

Pitbull also put together a video to showcase Florida's features as part of his agreement with Visit Florida.

"Have you heard of Pitbull?” Heath asked.

“Yes,” an unidentified Floridian said.

“Have you heard him promoting Florida?” Heath asked.

“Not at all,” the Floridian said.

Another person also told Eyewitness News that they had no idea that Pitbull was a spokesperson for the state.

Visit Florida, the state funded group that made the deal with Pitbull's promotion group, said the deal is a trade secret.

The state pulled the plug in August on the Pitbull contract.

State leaders have a full version of the contract, but it’s not public record. A version that Eyewitness News received was redacted in black ink.

Attorneys representing the promotions group have threatened to sue House members or staff if any details are revealed. There is no word on whether that could still happen now that Pitbull has released the contract.

The Speaker of the House said in a statement Thursday, "This was a long unnecessary journey through claims of trade secrets, threats of prosecution and corporate welfare paid for by the taxpayers."

Read the contract here.