'Dance Moms' Scandal! 'Malicious' Mackenzie Ziegler Sued For Breaking Music Contract
June 20 2017, Published 5:09 p.m. ET
Abby Lee Miller isn't the only Dance Moms star with legal issues! Mackenzie Ziegler and Melissa Gisoni are being sued for breach of contract by record label Kismet Music after allegedly skipping out on recording sessions and working with another producer. RadarOnline.com has exclusive details on the latest Dance Moms scandal!
In court papers obtained from Los Angeles Superior Court, Kismet Music is accusing Ziegler and Gisoni of failing to "perform their obligations under valid and binding written agreements" entered on February 7, 2014.
Ziegler, 13, released a second album with Kismet in the Spring of 2015. At the time, Maddie Ziegler's younger sister raised no objections to the contract and "reaped the benefits" of the second album by "cashing checks."
In April 2016, Ziegler allegedly began missing sessions and meetings. Kismet attempted to contact her no less than 14 times via text and email.
Kismet claims Ziegler's counsel attempted to "strong arm" them into releasing Ziegler from the terms of the agreement in the summer of 2016.
"Ziegler sent a letter on or about January 24, 2017 to Kismet attempting to disaffirm the agreement on the grounds that she was a minor under the laws of California," the lawsuit alleges.
But they claim she began violating the terms of the agreement before the letter was sent, as she began working with a new producer and collaborator.
Kismet claims prior to her letter, Ziegler co-wrote and recorded a song with her new producer and distributed it on YouTube.
The label alleges her producer even asked permission to record with Ziegler. When Kismet denied his request, he continued to work with her.
"Kismet has worked tirelessly and invested heavily in Ziegler's professional development and is directly responsible for the success she has and continues to enjoy in her recording and performing career," the lawsuit says. "Kismet has and will continue to suffer significant damages from Ziegler's refusal to work with Kismet."
Kismet claims their actions are "fraudulent and malicious." They are asking for 15 percent of Ziegler's net profits under the agreement and for their attorneys fees and cost to be paid by the defendants.
Ziegler and Gisoni have yet to respond to the suit.
As RadarOnline.com readers know, Ziegler's former dance teacher Miller, 50, is in legal trouble herself.
In June 2016, she pled guilty to not reporting an international monetary transaction and one count of concealing bankruptcy assets.
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She was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. Her incarceration will be followed by two years of supervised release.
Are you surprised by the lawsuit? Tell us in the comments!
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