'American Idol' winner Phillip Phillips files legal claim to get out of 'oppressive' contracts

A past winner of the American Idol show has come out with a major move in making a claim to escape his contract with the entertainment company that signed him.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Phillip Phillips, who won during the 11th season, claimed that 19 Entertainment, which is the producer for Idol, used “manipulation” tactics when they wanted him to accept different requests, such as doing a free performance for an Idol sponsor, and he also claimed he did not even know the title of his own album until the official announcement.

The singer’s lawyer has called the actions by 19 “oppressive, fatally conflicted.” He filed the claim with the California Labor Commissioner and he wants to not only avoid his managing agreement, but also the recording and merchandising contracts as well.

In a statement, Phillips said, “I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol. The value that the fans and the show have given to my career is not lost on me. However, I have not felt that I have been free to conduct my career in a way that I am comfortable with.”

The complaint Phillips has lodged also reveals that the endorsements done by Phillips give 19 a cut of around 40 percent. Phillips reportedly told the California Labor Commission that the entertainment company has only made moves that are beneficial to them and not to him.

The company’s spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, “We have always acted in the best interest of Phillip. We will vigorously defend ourselves from any baseless claims to the contrary and from any attempt to interfere with our rights and relationships.”

E! News reported that Phillips also claimed that his contract violates an act in California known as the Talent Agencies Act, which has a mandate when it comes to licensed talent agents and their ability to bring in work for their clients.

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