The independent label that signed Grammy-nominated R&B star Summer Walker early in her career is denying allegations that it locked her into an oppressive contract and misappropriated money, and it’s firing back with its own breach of contract claim against the singer.
In a new court filing obtained and first reported by Rolling Stone, Atlanta-based Love Renaissance Records, known as LVRN, strongly denies allegations of breach of contract and fraud made by Walker in her August lawsuit. “At no time has LVRN acted in bad faith, been stubbornly litigious, or caused Walker unnecessary trouble and expense,” the new 14-page filing submitted in Fulton County, Georgia, states.
The label and management firm then accuses Walker of being the one withholding funds. According to the filing, Walker failed to pay LVRN a 15 percent share of income from business opportunities it allegedly secured for her, as well as a 20 percent share of her songwriting performance royalties. The company also claims Walker stopped paying its agreed-upon 7 percent share of proceeds from her Finally Over It tour in 2026, after she initially made such payments.
“Walker has acted in bad faith and been stubbornly litigious, such that LVRN is entitled to recover its resulting attorneys’ fees,” the new filing states. It’s asking the court to dismiss Walker’s original complaint, rule in its favor on the breach of contract counterclaim, and award damages in an amount to be determined at trial.
Walker’s lawyer, Keith Moten, did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone‘s request for comment on Wednesday.
In her lawsuit, Walker accused LVRN of improperly diverting money from her touring, recording, marketing, and merchandising budgets, and failing to pay her revenue generated by Amazon and YouTube webpages featuring her name and likeness. She claimed the company concealed financial information, betraying the trust she placed in the label as a 19-year-old artist.
“Summer is in a new phase of her life,” Moten said in a previous statement to Rolling Stone. “She’s been through a lot in her life, personally and professionally. She’s a mother now, and she doesn’t trust blindly anymore. She’s ready to fight for herself, her freedom, and her peace.”
Walker’s lawsuit alleges breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and fraudulent concealment. She is asking the court to declare her 2017 agreement with LVRN “void and unenforceable.” She’s also seeking compensatory and punitive damages in amounts to be determined by the court. Moten said he believes Walker has “very strong legal grounds for the court to order Summer’s release from her deal with LVRN.”
In a related filing last month, Interscope sued Walker in Los Angeles County Superior Court, saying her ongoing effort to exit her recording contract under California’s so-called “seven-year rule” would entitle UMG to recover damages upwards of $50 million. Walker has disputed the claims.
Walker signed with Love Renaissance on Sept. 15, 2017, and with Interscope under an expanded joint venture on Nov. 1, 2017. She went on to become a huge star, with industry experts previously telling Rolling Stone her contract terms appeared “brutal” in retrospect.
In August, Walker informed Interscope that she would soon stop working under the agreement. “This letter shall serve as official notice that, effective Aug. 27, 2026, Ms. Walker will no longer render service under the agreement by reason of the fact that the agreement is no longer enforceable,” her letter to the label said, according to court filings.
In its Oct. 9 complaint, Interscope claimed Walker’s “failure to deliver” all the recordings required under her contract would leave her liable for damages. The label, owned by UMG, said her original 2017 agreement and subsequent amendments obligated her to deliver five studio albums, with her earlier projects, Last Day of Summer and CLEAR, classified as “pre-album projects” that did not count toward that album total.
Moten previously told Rolling Stone that he and Walker were “disappointed that Interscope has chosen to pursue litigation.” He said they remained confident in her legal position and her right to challenge the continued enforceability of her recording contract with Interscope. “We intend to vigorously defend against Interscope’s claims and pursue appropriate legal relief,” he said.
Moten added that Walker plans to countersue the record label. “Summer remains open to a constructive resolution. She hopes that the matter can be resolved in a manner that respects the interests of all involved, and avoids unnecessary or prolonged litigation,” said Moten. “In the meantime, Summer remains focused on her music, her artistry, her children, and her fans.”
UMG’s Los Angeles lawsuit is asking for damages of at least $50 million to be determined at trial. It’s also asking for prejudgment interest, legal costs, and any “further relief” the court finds appropriate. A hearing is set for April 15.
“While we remain hopeful that our ongoing discussions will lead to an amicable resolution, the statutory deadline makes it necessary to file suit in order to preserve the terms of our contract,” an Interscope spokesperson said in a prior statement sent to Rolling Stone. “We have great respect for Summer and her music and would welcome the opportunity to continue our successful partnership.”
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