Summer Walker is facing a lawsuit from Universal Music Group and Interscope Records after informing the label that she intended to end her recording contract.
The companies claim the R&B singer still owes them two studio albums and an EP under the agreement and could be liable for more than $50 million in damages if she refuses to deliver the projects.
The figure is a claim made by UMG and Interscope, not a court judgment against Walker.
Summer Walker invoked California’s seven-year rule
The dispute began after Walker sent Interscope a letter in August stating that she would stop providing services under the agreement from 27 August 2026.
Walker reportedly invoked California’s so-called seven-year rule, which generally limits the length of personal-services contracts.
Her legal team maintains that she has the right to challenge whether the recording agreement, which dates back to 2017, remains enforceable.
Interscope responded by filing a seven-page lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The label said it had to take legal action before a statutory deadline expired, although it remained hopeful that the dispute could be resolved amicably.
Label claims singer owes two albums and an EP
According to the lawsuit, Walker’s contract and subsequent amendments required her to deliver five studio albums.
Interscope allegedly classified her earlier releases Last Day of Summer and CLEAR as “pre-album projects,” meaning they did not count towards the five-album commitment.
Walker has since released the studio albums Over It, Still Over It and Finally Over It. The label therefore argues that two more albums and an EP remain outstanding.
UMG claims it has suffered and will continue to suffer losses because it will not receive the profits it expected from those recordings.
The company says it is entitled to more than $50 million in damages, as well as interest, legal costs and any other relief granted by the court.
Summer Walker vows to fight lawsuit
Walker’s attorney, Keith Moten, said her legal team was disappointed that Interscope had chosen to pursue litigation.
“We are confident in Summer’s legal position and her right to challenge the continued enforceability of her recording contract with Interscope,” he told Rolling Stone.
Moten said Walker would vigorously defend herself against the allegations and pursue appropriate legal relief.
Neither side has yet proved its position in court, and no ruling has been made on whether Walker can legally terminate the agreement or whether she owes the label any damages.
Singer’s recording contract faces scrutiny
Walker’s deal has previously attracted criticism over its financial terms.
Rolling Stone reported that the original contract gave her an initial advance of $110,000 and a 16 per cent royalty rate for her first two studio albums. Royalties would only become payable after the recovery of her advance and other recoupable expenses.
The legal battle will now determine whether Walker remains responsible for delivering the additional projects and whether UMG and Interscope can recover any of the damages they are seeking.
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