Kanye West and EMI at Odds Again Over Settlement Dispute
KANYE WEST
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The conflict between Kanye West and publisher, EMI might once again arise thanks to a failure to complete the terms of a settlement arrangement.
On Monday, December 23, EMI requested a government judge in New York to re-open the case.
West began the year by seeking his contractual freedom supported by California’s law that limits personal services agreements to a maximum of seven years.
West affirmed that when extensions are factored into his 2003 deal, it sums up to a lack of flexibility.
That thereby voids the agreement under the aforementioned California law.
The precedent to utilize the law in this way was most famously done by Olivia de Havilland.
It allowed her to leave a deal with Detector Bros.
The California law has since been exploited by various other musicians to renegotiate their own agreements.
The legal action from West raised eyebrows, especially an arrangement of his agreement that forbid retirement.
EMI responds to West’s legal action
In response to West, EMI filed its very own legal action against the rapper in New York City.
EMI claimed that the artist had actually made a “flagrant attempt to forum shop his way around” a provision of the contract that designated New York with exclusive jurisdiction in the matter.
West and EMI come to an agreement?
In September, EMI and West came together to prevent what would certainly have been an extensive battle over whether parties can get around California’s effort to reduce contractual servitude.
The court was informed of the settlement and all disputes and the case appeared to be closed.
However, this appears to be one of those rare instances where the terms of a settlement are agreed upon but ultimately never finalized.
“Unfortunately, as of today’s date, the parties have been unable to finalize the terms of a settlement agreement, or to finally resolve related issues on which a settlement agreement would be conditioned,” detailed an EMI letter submitted to the Court.
EMI’s letter also stated “As a result, good cause exists, and EMI hereby applies, to reopen the Action.”
What’s next for Kanye?
Further information has not been disclosed as well and West’s attorney was unavailable for comment.
West’s career has recently taken yet another twist as he has infused religious-themed music into his portfolio.
He also has a pending case related to a dispute related to his recording contract.
This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/kanye-west-emi-unable-finalize-settlement-1264876
Kevin James has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry in various facets. He has worked as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, on-air radio personality, background actor and film director. Kevin is a Member of the National Writer's Union.