Big Machine Records have countered claims made by Taylor Swift that they have “blocked” her from performing at the American Music Awards.
The company have responded to the star’s explosive statement, which reads that Taylor’s professional commitments have been jeopardized as the ownership of the master recordings of her work before the year 2018 are owned by Scooter Braun and Big Machine Records.
In a statement made to Variety, Big Machine Records said: “The truth is, Taylor has admitted to contractually owing millions of dollars and multiple assets to our company, which is responsible for 120 hardworking employees who helped build her career.”
“We have worked diligently to have a conversation about these matters with Taylor and her team to productively move forward. We started to see progress over the past two weeks and were optimistic as recently as yesterday that this may get resolved.”
“However, despite our persistent efforts to find a private and mutually satisfactory solution, Taylor made a unilateral decision last night to enlist her fanbase in a calculated manner that greatly affects the safety of our employees and their families.”
It is not clear in what capacity the company believes the star owes them the sum.
The label claims that Taylor’s statement was made using “false information,” and that they have cooperated with the star when asked to do so.
“As Taylor Swift’s partner for over a decade, we were shocked to see her Tumblr statements yesterday based on false information. At no point did we say Taylor could not perform on the AMAs or block her Netflix special. In fact, we do not have the right to keep her from performing live anywhere,” reads the statement.
“Since Taylor’s decision to leave Big Machine last fall, we have continued to honor all of her requests to license her catalog to third parties as she promotes her current record in which we do not financially participate.”
However, Taylor’s specific claims are not completely denied:
They say: “At no point did we say Taylor could not perform on the AMAs or block her Netflix special.”
This statement does not confirm hat they gave Taylor express permission to use her Big Machine-era songs in either the intended retrospective AMA’s performance or the Netflix show.
The statement continues.“Taylor, the narrative you have created does not exist. All we ask is to have a direct and honest conversation. When that happens, you will see there is nothing but respect, kindness and support waiting for you on the other side.”
“To date, not one of the invitations to speak with us and work through this has been accepted. Rumors fester in the absence of communication. Let’s not have that continue here.”
“We share the collective goal of giving your fans the entertainment they both want and deserve.”
