The singer is being honoured at the 2019 American Music Awards with the title of the ‘Artist of the Decade’.
Following that, she is scheduled to perform some of her songs, something she claims she cannot do as she alleges that she has been barred from performing her old songs.
The internet was sent into a meltdown a few months ago when Big Machine, Taylor’s former label, sold the label along with the singers’ music catalogue to artist manager, Scooter Braun.
Taylor said back then that she had not been allowed to buy her master copies back and was not in support of the sale. A few weeks later, she revealed that she will re-record her masters.
She took to her Instagram page this morning to share a long note, stating that her AMA performance, as well as several projects she’s working on, is in jeopardy because she is not being allowed to play her old songs.
Swift wrote: “I’ve been planning to perform a medley of my hits throughout the decade on the show. Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun have now said that I’m not allowed to perform my old songs on television because they claim that would be re-recording my music before I’m allowed to next year.
She continued: “Scott Bocchetta told my team that they’ll allow me to use my music only if I do these things: If I agree to not re-record copycat versions of my songs next year (which is something I’m both legally allowed to do and looking forward to) and also told my team that I need to stop talking about him and Scooter Braun.
The message being sent to me is very clear. Basically, be a good little girl and shut up. Or you’ll be punished.”
Read her note below:
Don’t know what else to do pic.twitter.com/1uBrXwviTS
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) November 14, 2019
Following her statement, her fans and friends have taken to social media to write several messages, both in support of Taylor Swift and urging Borchetta and Braun to do the right thing.
Fans are using the hashtags #IStandWithTaylor and #FreeTaylor to share their thoughts. As of this article, the hashtags have amassed more than 500,000 tweets.
Check out their tweets below:
https://twitter.com/GiGiHadid/status/1195181464922546176
https://twitter.com/SelenaHQ2/status/1195290037996466177?s=20
The art & magic of music should never be manipulated and monopolised at the expense of the songwriter. Music should pioneer the movement of freedom and ethical equality. #IStandWithTaylor https://t.co/YPEWsgs4mu
— James Brittain-McVey (@TheVampsJames) November 15, 2019
