#prayforjojo

On July 29, JoJo finally filed a lawsuit against her label, Blackground Records, stating that her 7 years of service are up, and her contract should have expired in March 2011. Under the State of New York law, minors cannot sign contracts that last over 7 years. JoJo additionally claims the label failed to release her third album despite delivery and acceptance of many master recordings; and that they were not able to retain their distribution agreement, which was a requirement of the recording contract.

To read JoJo's full Complaint against Blackground Records, click here.

On September 6, Blackground Records responded, asking for the case to be dismissed, as it fails to comply with New York law and is too difficult to read or understand due to improper formatting. Additionally, they wrote that JoJo reaffirmed her agreement by discontinuing her 2009 legal action while represented by legal council and continuing to record for Blackground Records and accepting payments even after she obtained the age of majority. Blackground Records demand to be reimbursed for costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney’s fees in defending the action, as allowed at law and/or under contract.

To read Blackground's full response to JoJo's Complaint, click here.

On September 16, JoJo's legal team replied to Blackground's Opposition, stating that there was no implied agreement between the parties that requires JoJo to remain bound to Blackground Records for an indefinite period of time. JoJo was not aware that her recording contract expired in March 2011, and if Blackground Records did know they intentionally deceived her and prevented another label from signing JoJo in 2012, even though JoJo asked to be released from the Recording Contract. In reply to Blackground's statement that "the efforts we've invested into this recording artist will be lost", her legal team state that the company had six years to release a third album and failed to do so. Thus, Blackground Records should not be allowed to continue to control JoJo's career, and she must be released immediately to begin the process of regaining control over her career.

To read JoJo's full response to Blackground's Opposition, click here.

May justice prevail for the caged bird! #FREEJOJO #PRAYFORJOJO #JUSTICEFORJOJO