American R&B singer Ne-Yo’s team has rejected allegations made in a lawsuit over a cancelled concert in Sri Lanka, describing the promoter’s claims as “categorically fraudulent and misleading”.
A spokesperson for the singer told TMZ that Brown Boy Presents was not owed money by Ne-Yo and instead owed the singer explanations regarding its alleged misconduct.
“The claims made by Brown Boy Presents are categorically fraudulent and misleading. Brown Boy Presents isn’t owed money by NE-YO—the promoter owes NE-YO answers regarding its misconduct,” the spokesperson said.
According to Ne-Yo’s team, the promoter was contractually required to pay the singer in full before the performance and cover round-trip travel expenses for him and his team.
The spokesperson alleged that Brown Boy Presents failed to meet either requirement despite being given several opportunities to resolve the issues. Ne-Yo’s team claimed it eventually became clear that the promoter lacked the financial resources to fulfil its contractual obligations, leaving the singer with no alternative but to withdraw from the concert.
However, Brown Boy Presents alleged in its lawsuit that it had paid at least USD 284,460 towards a USD 325,000 guarantee for Ne-Yo to perform in Colombo last December.
The promoter claimed difficulties arose after Ne-Yo’s team changed the crew’s travel arrangements, significantly increasing airfare costs. According to the company, an initial quotation of approximately USD 57,000 for five members of the singer’s party later rose to nearly USD 93,000 under a revised travel package.
Brown Boy Presents alleged that Ne-Yo’s team subsequently cancelled the performance and retained the money already paid, despite the singer later publicly indicating that he still wished to perform in Sri Lanka.
The promoter further claimed that Ne-Yo’s team later contacted one of its Sri Lankan ticketing partners to discuss another concert without involving Brown Boy Presents.
Brown Boy Presents is seeking the return of more than USD 284,000, together with additional damages.
