AceShowbiz - George Clinton has initiated a federal lawsuit against UMG Recordings, accusing the label of withholding more than $1.1 million in royalties for over three years.

The lawsuit, filed in Detroit’s federal court, centers on a dispute over payments tied to multiple recording agreements spanning from 1969 through the 1990s. The Parliament-Funkadelic icon claims UMG has frozen all his royalty payments, including those from his solo projects and production work, such as contributions with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

George Clinton alleges that UMG is using a separate legal battle involving the estate of the late keyboardist Bernie Worrell as a pretext to block his payments. However, his legal team points out that UMG was dismissed from the Worrell lawsuit in 2023 and that the court ruled against Worrell’s estate in 2025. Although an appeal is pending, Clinton’s lawyers argue that there is no valid claim, demand, or judgment against UMG in that case.

The complaint states that withholding 100% of Clinton’s royalties is a breach of contract and unauthorized under the agreements he has with the label. This legal action contributes to a growing trend of artists confronting major music companies over unpaid or withheld royalties.

Recent examples include rapper Iggy Azalea, who has publicly accused UMG of withholding millions in international royalties. Additionally, Drake is pursuing a defamation lawsuit related to a dispute titled "Not Like Us," which remains under appeal. Meanwhile, hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa is engaged in a separate fight to regain ownership of their master recordings.

This ongoing series of lawsuits highlights increasing tensions between artists and major record labels regarding royalty payments and rights management, signaling a broader industry reckoning.