Phillip Phillips. Photo courtesy of Youtube.
Summary: An American Idol producer is suing Season 11 winner, Phillip Phillips, for $6 million.
An American Idol producer is going bankrupt, and now it’s going after former winner Phillip Phillips.
- To learn more about Phillip Phillips, read this article: Phillip Phillips Wins American Idol
Production company 19 Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producer filed a follow-up complaint on Thursday that alleged Phillips is hoarding $1 million of the company’s money. They want the million back along with $5 million for repudiating and breaching contracts.
Phillips, however, is fighting the claim, which was filed in New York.
“19’s new complaint is a blatant attempt to evade California’s jurisdiction and thwart its fundamental public policies crafted to protect artists,” Phillips’ attorney Howard King said.
Phillips won American Idol on season 11, and he has had hit songs like “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” In January 2015, Phillips attempted to escape his management agreement with 19 Entertainment, an agreement that all winners of Idol are locked into after the show. He stated that 19 Entertainment was not a licensed agency and under the California Talent Agencies Act, they should not have been procuring him employment. He additionally said that the company made him take jobs that were in their best interest and not his. Phillips’ team said 19 Entertainment’s recent complaint against him is in retaliation to his January suit.
Phillips’ lawsuit may change the current game of reality TV. Right not, it is common practice for winners of talent shows to sign post-show deals, but the California Labor Commissioner is now reviewing the legality of that practice. Although the Labor Commissioner expedited Phillips’ request, it was not fast enough to stop the winner of this season’s final Idol from signing.
- To learn more about another contestant lawsuit, read this article: Ten Black Former Contestants of American Idol Sue for $25 Million a Piece
19 Entertainment is also being sued by show creator Simon Fuller in a separate matter.
The company is represented by law firm, Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
Do you think these reality show management contracts should continue? Should Philip Phillips pay 19 Entertainment? Let us know in the comments below.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter