Eminem Seeks Protective Order Against Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon in Trademark Dispute Case

Rap superstar opposes ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ stars’ lawsuit in their ongoing trademark case over ‘Reasonably Shady’ podcast

“The real Slim Shady” objects The Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon’s request to stand up in court.

Eminem, 51, filed for a protective order on Dec. 15 against the two reality stars in their ongoing trademark dispute over their trademark application for the name Reasonably suspicious podcast, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.

In the filing, the rapper (whose real name is Marshall Mathers III) objected to the television personalities’ request made in late October that he appear in person to give a statement.

The Grammy winner — who has long been known by the monikers Slim Shady and Shady and owns a trademark he uses on his products and records — said in the filing that it would be an “excessive burden” for him to be deposed himself because of his “limited subject matter knowledge which are in question.”

Eminem. Kurt Krieger/Corbis/Getty Eminem files complaint against Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon for using ‘Shady’ in podcast title

As a result, the filing offered three other names — including the rapper’s longtime manager Paul Rosenberg — who have “superior knowledge than Mathers on relevant subjects” and could appear to testify in his absence.

The documents also claimed that the application filed by Bryant, 53, and Dixon, 44, was “premature and procedurally defective” as they “have yet to serve” Mathers, who first opposed their trademark application back in February in 2023

Eminem’s attorney did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Bryant and Dixon’s attorney Andrea Evans shared a statement with PEOPLE about their recent motion to oust.

“It seems obvious to us that if you file a lawsuit, you should be available for removal,” Evans said, adding that his team “would like to question Mathers at least about his use of the terms Slim Shady and Shady.”

“It is not clear to us that Mathers can be a trademark owner and bring this action against our clients, but he will not make himself available to be deposed,” Evans added.

Eminem.

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According to Eminem’s recent filing, his personal manager and business partner Rosenberg, with whom he has worked since 1997, is willing to be fired because of his “first-hand knowledge” of Mathers and his SHADY labels.

“Mathers, under Rosenberg’s direction, registered the SHADY marks alleged in this case,” the documents state.

The filing also states that Eminem has been “removed from the day-to-day activities and details involving the use and promotion” of his SHADY marks, even though he is the “listed owner and signatory of confirmed trademark registrations.”

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Eric Hahn, chief marketing officer of Universal Music Group’s subsidiary Fame House, is also listed in the documents as a name that could be removed, due to his knowledge of brand advertising. Stuart Parr, who has been involved in the licensing of performers for many years, was also mentioned.

The “Lose Yourself” artist originally objected The Real Housewives of Potomac star in February, stating that he believed his brand would be damaged if the trademark was granted and that it could cause “confusion.”

The document read: “The marks Slim Shady and Shady became and are an extremely valuable symbol of Mathers, his reputation and goodwill.”

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