Hit reality singing show American Idol's production company is suing season 11 winner Phillip Phillips for USD 6 million.
19 Entertainment filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late April and filed a complaint on June 2 in a New York bankruptcy court against the former winner said The Hollywood Reporter.
The complaint alleged that Phillips has been holding onto as much as USD 1 million of 19's money, and argues that he should also be forced to pay them at least USD 5 million for apparently repudiating and breaching agreements.
Back in January 2015, Phillips sued to get out of his recording contract with 19 Entertainment. However, there was no decision on the case before the final season of "American Idol" this year, and the former winner even appeared on the show again.
"Phillips has refused and insists that he will continue to refuse to perform pursuant to the Agreements, thereby causing Plaintiffs additional damages," stated the complaint from 19 Entertainment.
"The amount of the additional damages from these continuing breaches is not presently calculable with precision but will be presented at the time of trial and will exceed USD 5,000,000."
Phillips's attorney responded: "19's new complaint is a blatant attempt to evade California's jurisdiction and thwart its fundamental public policies crafted to protect artists. 19 cannot murder its parents, then seek mercy as an orphan."
A Labor Commissioner hearing for Phillips's lawsuit was scheduled for May 31, but then 19 Entertainment declared bankruptcy which has paused his case.
