Report: American Idol Producers Sue Season 11 Champ Phillip Phillips

The American Idol Season 11 champ is being sued for more than $5 million by 19 Entertainment, one of the producers of the recently wrapped Fox reality juggernaut,according to TMZ.

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19 Entertainment claims Phillips ceased payment of management fees to the company in 2015, after attempting to get out of his contract with them. At the time, Phillips argued to the California Labor Commission that 19 had violated state law by, among other things, making him perform without compensation for Idol sponsors.

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While the official 19 Web site notes the company has “long-term recording agreements” with former contestants including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino, Jordin Sparks and Scotty McCreery, its management lineup includes only Phillips, Season 14 champ Nick Fradiani and Season 15’s Trent Harmon and La’Porsha Renae.

TMZ notes Phillips complaint to the Labor Commission was “delayed when 19 filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.”

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