Universal Music Group has finalized a multi-year agreement with direct-to-consumer platform EVEN, aiming to capture “superfan” revenue streams alongside equity holders like J. Cole. However, the deal coincides with a complex legal filing by former executive Damien Washington, who alleges systemic labor misclassification, data fraud, and discriminatory practices within the startup.
This partnership underscores the industry’s aggressive pivot toward direct monetization models that bypass traditional DSP economics, even when potential partners carry significant legal baggage. As Lucian Grainge prioritizes the “superfan” economy, the outcome of these allegations regarding fraudulent data could materially impact investor confidence in D2C infrastructure.
Curated by MusicResearch.com from Digital Music News. Read the full article at: UMG, J. Cole Partner EVEN Is Now Battling a Lawsuit Over Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Labor Violations
