Singer Mary J. Blige says the booker of a Florida music festival skipped out on paying her almost half of her performance fee despite her fulfilling her obligation to perform during their event. The “What’s the 411” recording artist has filed a complaint claiming breach of contract.
The Queen of Hip-Hop/ Soul filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Florida against RM Talent Agency, claiming they failed “to pay the full amount of the Performance Fee” agreed upon for the 2022 Miami Funk Fest, according to Rolling Stone.
The $1.1 million contract was signed and filed on Sept. 5, 2022, and Blige fulfilled her obligation by rocking the show at the Miami Dade County Fair Expo Center on Dec. 30, 2022.
The “Just Fine” performer, who has nine Grammys under her belt, delivered an hour-long set, dazzling fans with two costume changes: first in white and silver, then a gray and silver, and later in black and silver before singing the house down with her hits like “Love Without Limit,” “You Remind Me,” “I’m Not Gonna Cry,” and Billboard No. 1 hit “Family Affair.”
She claims so far, she has received $650,000 of the payment: $250,000 on Sept. 20, 2022, $200,000 on Nov. 9, 2022, and the last $200,000 on Jan. 18, 2023.
Blige owed the balance of $450,000 and is seeking damages, pre-and -post-judgment interest, as well as attorney fees and any other relief the court “deems just and proper.”
In addition to Blige, big names were listed to perform at the two-day New Year’s celebration. Jeezy, Anthony Hamilton, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jazmine Sullivan, Rick Ross, T.I., Rick Ross, Dru Hill, Ying Yang Twins, Carl Thomas, and Case.
No other artist on the card has come forward with a breach of contract allegation or lawsuit. RM Talent Agency has not released a statement regarding Blige’s complaint.
