Ministry seeks refund from 'Doping Space' for Snoop Dogg's canceled concert

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia has approached 'Doping Space' company to reclaim the fee paid to Snoop Dogg for a canceled concert, but has yet to receive a response, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan told reporters during a briefing following the government session.

"We have submitted the appropriate request to the organization and are currently awaiting response. We are still in this process and will inform you as soon as we move to the next stage," the minister stated, as reported by Sputnik Armenia.

She added that the terms of the signed contract are entirely clear and stipulate the full refund of the amount.

On February 12, the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition announced its decision to terminate the proceedings initiated against the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports concerning the alleged provision of prohibited state aid to 'Doping Space' company.

The commission's decision also reveals that, following negotiations with Snoop Dogg, the artist agreed to return the full fee to 'Doping Space' despite the original contract not requiring refunds in the event of a concert cancellation. The commission further noted that 'Doping Space' has refunded certain amounts to buyers and international ticket sales partners, with some ticket refunds still in process.

According to the Armenian government's decision on August 11, 2023, 'Doping Space' company was allocated 2,318,596,800 drams to organize Snoop Dogg's concert in Armenia as part of the 'World Star Armenian Tour' music project. The grant was provided under a contract between the ministry and the company. The rapper's fee amounted to $1.8 million.