British singer, Rita Ora, who signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation at the tender age of 18 is now seeking to end her agreement with the label, claiming it is a violation of California’s seven-year rule in a lawsuit filed on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, USA.
Since, her singing, the 25-year-old only released one album, Ora, in 2012 and she is claiming the company’s change in direction led to her being forgotten about.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the complaints states:
“As Roc Nation’s interests diversified, there were fewer resources available and the company suffered a revolving door of executives”.
“Rita’s remaining supporters at the label left or moved on to other activities, to the point where she no longer had a relationship with anyone at the company”.
In an attempt to break her contract, Rita is citing Labour Code §2855, known colloquially as the seven-year rule.
The code was successfully used by actress Olivia De Haviland in 1944 when she filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros, setting a precedent for future cases in the showbiz industry.
Rita’s attorney Howard King said he hopes the judge can see that the same circumstances as Olivia’s case can be applied to Rita.
“Rita’s relationship with Roc Nation is irrevocably damaged,” the complaint continues.
After the news broke, #FreeRitaOra began trending on Twitter as fans backed the singer’s bid to be released from the label.
See some of the tweets:
This explains the album delays etc 7 years with Roc 7 years to take action #FreeRitaOra Can 2016 just be the best year ever.
— //alison (@alisontommo) December 17, 2015
Deplorable.. Rita needs to take off and she’s trapped because of them #FreeRitaOra ✊? @RocNation
— Miriam Ora (@ritaora_edits) December 17, 2015
glad we got #FreeRitaOra trending for @RitaOra as she deserves to release her 2nd album
— Always a RitaBot (@RitaOraDailyUK) December 17, 2015
Roc Nation gave up focusing on her as soon as she bagged them a few number 1’s. she deserves SO much better. #FreeRitaOra
— leah (@ritaftcabello) December 17, 2015
when you have a voice like Rita does and it’s going to waste bc her label puts no effort into promoting her, it’s time to go. #FreeRitaOra
— leah (@ritaftcabello) December 17, 2015
So sad to hear all of this. It’s a shame what they have been doing to Rita. #FreeRitaOra
— Rita Ora Daily (@AlwaysRitaOra) December 17, 2015
I love you @RitaOraPrivate, never forget that. I’m here for you no matter what. You can do this, we believe in u & support u #FreeRitaOra ❤️
— Harry Styles. (@HaroldStyIesE) December 17, 2015
