WATKINS GLEN, NY – On April 29, Woodstock 50 investors, the Dentsu Aegis Network, announced the Woodstock 50 Music & Arts Fair would no longer be happening. Now, the Japanese-based investors are being accused swiping $17.8 million from Woodstock 50’s bank account in a newly filed lawsuit, TMZ reports.
In the lawsuit, Woodstock 50 claims Dentsu unexpectedly pulled out due to alleged safety concerns, thereby announcing the fest’s abrupt cancellation. Dentsu also shared a statement with Billboard explaining their decision to withdraw from iconic music fest.
“…despite our tremendous investment time, effort and commitment, we don’t believe the production the festival can be executed as an event worthy the Woodstock Brand name while also ensuring the health and safety the artists, partners and attendees,” the statement read. “As a result and after careful consideration, Dentsu Aegis Network’s Amplifi Live, a partner Woodstock 50, has decided to cancel.”
Next, Woodstock 50 claims Dentsu reached out the agents the artists who were scheduled to perform. Though the legal docs don’t list the names who all was contacted, JAY-Z, Chance the Rapper, Vince Staples and Run The Jewels are among the performers who are expected to hit the Woodstock stage this summer.
Additionally, according to the suit, Dentsu allegedly fered to get the artists they reached out to about Woodstock’s sudden cancellation, a spot at an event they are sponsoring at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Regardless, the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Festival is expected to happen come August 16, 17 and 18 in Watkins Glen, New York.