Legendary singer Celine Dion has lost a $13 million dispute with her former concert agent in a deal that will make her earn $489 million by 2026.
Celine accused her former concert agent Rob Prinz of being “wildly” overpaid for a $489m (£370m) negotiation he made for her in 2017.
Rob Prinz had an agreement with Dion’s late husband Réne Angélil, and carried over by subsequent manager Aldo Giampaolo to receive 1.5 to 3% of commission with any concert he brings to Celine Dion.
He then negotiated a deal with concert promoters AEG that, by 2026, will earn Dion $272m from Las Vegas concerts, $212m from touring, plus a $5m bonus for signing the deal in 2017.
In the case heard by the California labour commission, David Gurley ruled against Dion, who must continue paying Rob Prinz for a contract that lasts until 2026.
The singer in a statement after the hearing stated;
Because [Angélil] wasn’t here to stand up for me at the hearing, I feel like Mr Prinz and [agency] ICM took advantage with their demands for money … I feel betrayed.
I’m not saying that Mr Prinz did not do anything, but he’s taking much more credit for my career than he deserves. Mr Prinz had never asked to be paid for 10 years for a few months’ work, and I never agreed to it.”
Rob Prinz lawyer Rick Levy hailed the court’s decision saying;
This ruling leaves no doubt that Rob Prinz and ICM not only had a legally enforceable agreement to commission Ms Dion’s AEG deal, but that, throughout her brilliant career, Rob represented her in an exemplary manner, culminating in an unprecedented touring and residency contract.”
Dion plans to appeal in the California superior court system, and have the case assessed by a jury.
