HYBE Enters 10-Year Deal with UMG, Ignoring Fan Protests, TikTok Ban, and Sexual Lawsuit
The 10-year deal between HYBE and Universal Music Group (UMG) has sparked a lot of controversial opinions among fans.
Recently, it was reported that HYBE Labels (hereinafter referred to as HYBE) and Universal Music Group (hereinafter referred to as UMG), has entered a 10-year deal.
This deal will allow UMG and HYBE respective access to the two corporations’ artists, with HYBE being able to utilize the global network of UMG. As a result, future collaboration projects in North America, supervised by CEO Scooter Braun, can be expected.
It is known that Scooter Braun has faced strong opposition from fans of HYBE artists, to the point of them gathering outside HYBE America. A fan union even sent a protest truck to HYBE’s headquarters, demanding the man be fired due to his long-time support for Israel – which is committing a humanity crisis in Palestine.
Of course, there are certain benefits to such a deal, which aligns with HYBE’s ambitions for global growth. However, fans have pointed out various disadvantages, and one of those is the TikTok ban that affects all artists affiliated with UMG.
In particular, UMG has banned music of its affiliated artists from being used on TikTok due to concerns regarding compensation. As a result, HYBE artists also suffer with their music losing out a huge platform.
The duration of the UMG-HYBE deal, which lasts a whole decade, also sparks criticisms from fans.
On top of all this, Sean “Diddy” Combs, UMG, Motown, Love Records, and Chalice Recording Studio have been facing a lawsuit. In particular, producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones Jr accused Diddy of sexual harassment, assault, lack of compensation, and more, at the same time adding that also added that UMG was basically an accessory as they “knew or should have known” about spiked drinks.
All in all, fans agree that HYBE’s partnership with UMG is extremely problematic, especially amid the ongoing controversies.
The company completely ignoring fan protests have also sparked criticism.
Source: Krb, Variety
