Pitbull was paid $1 million to promote Florida, “sexy beaches”
Miami entertainer and pop star Pitbull was paid $1 million by Florida's tourism marketing arm to promote the state as a travel destination on social media, in videos and during concerts.
Pitbull used Twitter on Thursday morning to release details of his yearlong contract with Visit Florida. The secret deal has drawn fire from some state leaders, who have demanded to know how the money was spent.
Attorneys for the House filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Leon County Circuit Court seeking a ruling on a claim by PDR Production that the contract, which expired this summer, includes trade secrets that have kept terms of the deal out of the public view. The lawsuit also asks for immunity from civil action for House members and staff if they potentially disclose terms of the contract.
Some lawmakers have raised concerns that Pitbull was paid to promote the state in his "Sexy Beaches" music video, which features women in bathing suits along withe the hashtag #LoveFL.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Perez, posted a link to a copy of the 11-page deal on his Twitter account Thursday morning.
“FULL DISCLOSURE – FLORIDA,” the entertainer wrote before the link.
“It’s been an honor to represent Miami and the Sunshine State,” Pitbull said in the Twitter post. “I’ve taken Miami and Florida worldwide — WAY before any contract, and will do so way after. I love my home state. When asked to take on a New Year’s show, I INSISTED it be live from Florida. #LoveFL Since birth…and till the day I die. Dale!”
Visit Florida, the state’s public-private tourism arm that received $78 million this year from the state, has maintained it is prohibited by the contract with PDR from releasing terms of the deal.
In addition to the video, the contract shows Pitbull was also paid to preform at a 2015 New Year’s Eve show in Miami; use the hastag #LoveFL at least once during concerts and live performances; promote the state on social media; help with at least six “Florida Pit Package” sweepstakes, contests or promotions; and work on Visit Florida’s “Conquering Florida” video series.
