Judge Drops $3 Billion Lawsuit Against Dr. Dre

Thanks to a Michigan judge, Dr. Dre avoided yet another lawsuit. This time the producer's entire fortune -- and then some -- was threatened by the $3 billion invasion of privacy suit involving the 'Up In Smoke' DVD, and former Detroit officials.

The officials, who include former police officers and the press secretary for former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, accused Dre of improperly and illegally videotaping a backstage conversation at the Detroit stop of the 'Up In Smoke' tour in 2000.

Footage of the conversation later appeared on the DVD. The plaintiffs claimed the footage violated their privacy and asked that the scene be removed. The plaintiffs filed the suit when producers of the film refused to remove the scene.

Judge John Murphy officially dismissed the suit last week, and stated that "the plaintiffs could not have a reasonable expectation of privacy."