Rapper Iggy Azalea has launched a scathing public attack on Universal Music Group (UMG), accusing the global music giant of failing to pay her rightful international royalties.
In a series of blunt and furious social media posts, Azalea claimed that UMG owes her an eight-figure sum and has been deliberately withholding payments for years.
Azalea Claims UMG Stole Millions from Her
Azalea did not hold back when airing her grievances against Universal Music. She stated that throughout her entire career, she has never received a single royalty payment from UMG for any of her music’s earnings outside the United States. According to her, the company has effectively “stolen” millions from her by failing to pay what she is contractually owed.
“Crazy how in my entire career I was never paid a single royalty by Universal Music for anything outside of the USA. They owe me millions of dollars in back pay that they technically stole from me, as per my contract I am due payment,” Azalea wrote on X.
She estimates the unpaid royalties reach into the eight-figure range, making this one of the most significant financial disputes between an artist and a major label in recent years.
Universal Music’s “Insulting” Settlement Offer
Instead of addressing her claims with a reasonable resolution, Azalea revealed that UMG recently responded to her lawyer with a settlement offer of just $18,000. Given the magnitude of the amount she says she is owed, she called this offer laughable and completely unacceptable.
“Last week they tried to respond to my lawyer and offer me a settlement of 18K,” she wrote. “I’m told this is a normal response from their lawyers and after appearing in court they end up paying millions as they’re supposed to.”
Her comments suggest that UMG is known for lowballing artists in legal disputes, only to later be forced to pay far more once the matter reaches court.
Azalea Calls UMG “Criminals” Who Exploit Artists
Beyond her personal case, Azalea used her platform to expose what she sees as a deeply rooted pattern of exploitation within Universal Music. She labeled the company “criminals” and accused them of intentionally profiting off artists who often lack the financial resources to fight back.
“Thankfully I’m well off and can and will pursue this issue until they pay me what they owe,” she wrote. “But I’d like to publicly say that I think Universal Music are criminals who actively take advantage of ALL of their artists in perpetuity for their own gain.”
She went on to call UMG “the scummiest company” and stated that this behavior is widespread across the music industry.
“They do this to SO MANY artists who unfortunately can’t afford to fight for what they’re owed, thus they get away with this behavior.”
A Two-Year Battle for Her Money
Azalea also disclosed that this dispute has been ongoing for more than two years. She posted a screenshot of a conversation with an unidentified person, who confirmed that Universal’s settlement tactics are common.
The message explained that UMG first claimed they owed her only $18,000 but that auditors have seen similar cases where labels initially deny or minimize payouts before being forced to pay artists large sums.
“Universal came back and said they owe you $18K,” the message read. “Auditor said this is par for the course. He’s had audits where they come back and say you owe them money and then end up paying artists hundreds of thousands. We’re going back to them this week. These labels are f***ing criminals.”
Azalea’s response? “Lmfao.”
UMG’s Troubled History with Artist Royalties
Universal Music Group has yet to respond publicly to Azalea’s accusations, but this is not the first time the company has been at the center of a royalty dispute. Other artists, including members of Limp Bizkit, have previously accused UMG of withholding earnings, leading to legal battles that eventually resulted in large payouts.
The music industry has long faced scrutiny for the way major labels handle artist compensation. Record contracts are notoriously complex, and many musicians have found themselves shortchanged despite generating millions in revenue for their labels.
Will Azalea’s Fight Lead to Change?
Azalea’s case shines a harsh light on the longstanding tensions between artists and record labels. Unlike many musicians who lack the financial means to take legal action, Azalea has made it clear that she has the resources and determination to fight UMG until she gets every dollar she is owed.
“Universal Music, mark my words, you ugly b***h—you will pay me what’s owed,” she wrote, making it clear she has no plans to back down.
Her public battle could inspire other artists to speak out and demand fair compensation for their work. If nothing else, it sends a strong message to the music industry: musicians are watching, and they are no longer afraid to call out major labels for their shady practices.
The question now is whether UMG will continue to resist or if they will finally pay up.
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