The organiser of the American Music Awards is claiming that Grammy bosses blacklist performers who perform on their awards show. AMA boss Dick Clark claims Michael Jackson had to pull out of his event so he could remain on the Grammys bill. According to Sonicnet.com, Clark is now suing the Grammy organisers for $10 million on the grounds to restrict artists in this way is an unfair business practice.
Clark's lawsuit states: "This blacklist policy is an illegal restraint of trade and an unfair business practice. It is unfair to the artists who seek to perform for the viewing public. It is unfair to the music fans who want to see their favourite musical artists perform."
Clark added: "I've known Michael Jackson since he was a kid. To have another party interfere in that relationship makes me very, very angry. The Grammys have caused me a lot of pain and a lot of stress."