An alleged about-face by Travis Scott has caused a music festival to be canceled and the organizers are none too happy about it.
According to court docs obtained by The Blast, Empire Music Ventures is suing the rapper for fraud and breach of contract. Empire has accused him and his supposed company, The Odd Group, of entering into an agreement to headline the 2019 Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience, then canceling and stealing over $200,000.
The organizers claim the rapper agreed to headline the March festival in November. He was to be paid $400,000 for a 75-minute performance and was given a deposit of $217,500. Then, after the deposit had been paid and less than a month later, Scott’s team canceled on them without explanation.
Because of the late cancellation, Empire Music Ventures said they were forced to cancel the festival, which was to take place on the same grounds as Coachella.
“Due to a last minute cancellation by our festival headliner, we have no other choice than to cancel the 2019 Rhythm, Wine & Brews Experience,” the festival announced on Instagram in early December. “This decision has not been an easy one, however, it has always been the upmost [sic] importance that we deliver an excellent experience for our festival guests.”
In the docs, the organizers claim that Scott and his management “refuse to return the money.”
But a lawyer for Scott claims the rapper has never dealt with the organizers and has no idea what they’re talking about.
“Travis does not know anyone from Empire Music Ventures, and he certainly did not enter into any kind of discussion or contract with them,” the lawyer said in a statement. “He has no relationship with the management company The Odd Group, which purportedly entered into the alleged contract. Any lawsuit that may have been filed against Travis and his company has absolutely no basis.”
A rep for Scott did not respond to a request for comment.