Millions at stake as The Kid Laroi sued by ex-manager
Australia’s hottest music act The Kid Laroi is being sued by his former manager, in a legal stoush that could end up costing the superstar millions.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Australia’s hottest music act, 18-year-old rapper The Kid Laroi, is being sued by the manager who set him on the path to stardom – and millions of dollars could be at stake.
Daniel “Zig” Annor, managing director of ART Management Group, on Friday filed Supreme Court lawsuits against Laroi under his real name, Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard – claiming breach of contract and loss of income.
Mr Annor, who is being represented by Media Arts Lawyers, claims his management of the chart-topping music sensation was terminated just days before Laroi signed a deal with global music giant Sony.
He is also seeking damages from the singer’s mother, Sloane Marie Howard, claiming she interfered in their manager-artist relationship.
The Kid Laroi has hit No.1 in the US charts with Justin Bieber, and the US Top 10 with Miley Cyrus.
Those collaborations have seen his fame explode worldwide. He dates TikTok star Katarina Deme and is currently on his first national Australian tour.
In a statement of claim filed in the NSW court, Sydney-based Mr Annor claims he signed a wide-ranging management agreement with Laroi in January 2018, covering all aspects of the rapper’s output. The agreement was worldwide for three years to 2021, with a two-year extension.
The writ claims the deal gave Mr Annor 20 per cent of Laroi’s gross income from recordings and merchandising, net income from live performances, and other gross earnings.
Mr Annor also claims the contract entitled him to commissions from recordings released “within 12 months from the date of the expiry of the agreement; and any live performance, sponsorship or endorsement agreement organised before the expiration of the agreement, but occurring after”.
The documents claim Laroi was not to appoint any other manager or representative during the life of the deal, and would not negotiate or enter into any agreement without first consulting Mr Annor.
But in March 2019, Mr Annor claims, he received a legal letter asking him to resign and then another telling him his management agreement had been terminated.
Days later, Laroi went to America and signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment, allegedly without Mr Annor’s knowledge or involvement.
The statement of claim says Mr Annor has been paid $27,686 related to Laroi’s career since March 2019.
Mr Annor finally agreed to end his management agreement in December 2019. He is now claiming losses and damages for breach of contract and unpaid commissions between January 11, 2018 and December 10, 2019 – and damages for “loss of opportunity” to earn from then until the contract was due to expire in 2023.
Originally published as Millions at stake as The Kid Laroi sued by ex-manager
ASX takes big hit across board
The ASX 200 has its worst trading day in seven weeks with all 11 sectors falling Tuesday. But there were pockets of strength for Aussie investors.
Read more
Wild crowds, snipers: One word King said to Queen at Opera House
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the Sydney Opera House, as snipers were in place with a heavy police presence and the crowds went wild. See photos and follow live updates.
Read more