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He's seeking to void his contracts with 19 Entertainment
American IdolSeason 11 winner Phillip Phillips has filed a legal petition against the show's producer, 19 Entertainment, claiming the company has "manipulated" his career in a negative way since he won the competition.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Phillips is seeking to have his contracts with 19 and its affiliate companies voided under the Talent Agencies Act, calling the terms of the agreements "oppressive" and "fatally conflicted." The TAA says that only licensed talent agents can procure employment for their clients.
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Phillips claims he has been forced to perform for free for an Idol sponsor, is required to give 19 Entertainment up to 40 percent of his earnings on endorsements, and did not know the title of his most recent album, Behind the Light, until it was announced to the public.
"I am very grateful for the opportunities provided to me through appearing on American Idol," Phillips writes, according to THR. "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."
When asked for comment, a spokesperson for 19 Entertainment released the following statement to TVGuide.com: "We're very proud of everything we've accomplished together with Phillip, working closely to help nurture his extraordinary talent and advance his career. 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."
Read the full report here.
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