Civil Beating Case Against Snoop Dogg Begins

Friday, Apr 24, 2009 | Updated 5:00 PM EDT

Opening statements have begun in a civil trial against Snoop Dogg by a man who says the rapper and his entourage severely beat him in 2005.

Richard Monroe, Jr., claims he suffered serious injuries after jumping onstage during a Seattle concert. Monroe seeks $22 million in damages and punitive penalties against the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus.

Monroe's suit states he thought he had permission to join Broadus onstage during a performance of "Gin and Juice," but was beaten and robbed by the performer and members of his entourage.

Broadus attended one day of jury selection earlier this week, and was present in court as a tape of the incident was shown to jurors during opening statements by Monroe's attorneys.

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