Iggy Azalea Claims Universal Music Owes 'Millions' in Unpaid Royalties, Threatens Legal Action
Iggy Azalea claims Universal Music Group owes her millions in unpaid international royalties, threatening legal action against the company. The Australian rapper states the amount owed is "in the 8 figure range" for royalties earned outside the United States.
Iggy Azalea performs at concert venue
According to Azalea, who signed with Island Def Jam in 2013, the dispute has been ongoing privately for over two years. She decided to make the issue public after UMG allegedly offered a settlement of just $18,000 through her lawyer.
Key points of the dispute:
- Azalea claims UMG hasn't paid "a single royalty" for international earnings
- The artist has conducted an audit of her royalties
- She alleges UMG takes advantage of artists who can't afford legal battles
- Azalea plans to pursue legal action, citing her ability to afford the fight thanks to an "eight-figure" catalog deal with Domain Capital in November 2022
This dispute emerges amid similar industry conflicts, including Limp Bizkit's ongoing royalties lawsuit against Universal Music. Their case, partially dismissed in January, now faces a hearing on March 24th following an amended 120-page action.
While Azalea's claims remain unverified, she maintains that UMG is "the scummiest company" and alleges they deliberately hide royalty underpayments, banking on artists' inability to afford forensic accounting services.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.