A New York appeals court upheld the 2021 decision against Parlux in Jay-Z’s lawsuit against the brand, confirming that the brand owes him nearly $7 million in unpaid royalties. While a 2022 report originally detailed that a $4.5 million payment was due, Billboard today reported that after losing his appeal, Parlux now owes Jay $6.8 million.
The company originally sued Jay-Z for breach of contract in 2016, seeking $67 million after he claimed he lost $18 million on a 2013 fragrance partnership with the rap mogul due to his refusal to meet his obligations. to promote it. Among the accusations was one that Jay forfeited promotional appearances and kept a $20,000 prototype bottle after rejecting his design for use on the line.
Jay counterattacked, claiming the company provided him with sketchy and inaccurate documentation about his financial health and failed to pay all royalties owed to him during the partnership. The 2021 trial lasted three weeks, after which a jury determined that Jay did not owe Parlux; then, New York Supreme Court Justice Andrew Borrok ruled that Parlux owed Jay-Z $6.78 million in unpaid royalties, including interest.
Parlux’s appeal was based on the belief that the trial judge improperly informed the jury of contract requirements regarding Jay-Z’s personal appearances. According BillboardParlux may continue to appeal but has not indicated its intention to do so.