The Game 'sued over funeral fight'

US hip-hop star The Game has been taken to court over an assault that took place at a funeral last year.

Robert Kirkwood, cousin of the rapper, filed a lawsuit in LA County Superior Court claiming that The Game and four others assaulted him at his sister's funeral in July 2008, TMZ reports.

Trouble reportedly flared at the ceremony when Kirkwood confronted the 29-year-old because he refused to pay for a part of the funeral costs.

Kirkwood, referring to The Game in a pre-prepared statement as someone who "fashions himself as some kind of rapper, gangster and/or celebrity", said that he suffered "severe and permanent injuries" during the alleged affray.

He is suing his relative, along with the four other people he claims took part in the fight, for medical expenses, loss of income and general damages.