The video platform Triller is in quite a bit of trouble with legendary producers, Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. The platform purchased the popular online phenomenon, Verzuz, for $28 million, but allegedly hasn’t made payments since January. According to the lawsuit filed Tuesday, Triller failed to make a payment in January but agreed to pay $18 million in March. The rest was to be paid over the following 10 months. However, Triller didn’t make these payments, despite them being adjusted.
However, Triller representatives tell a different story. In an email to The Verge, reps claim the pair are the “greatest beneficiaries of Triller to date.” Not only that, but they claim to be counter-suing for $50 million in damages. And in a statement made to Billboard, a representative claimed the facts are on their side.
Triller has helped fuel Verzuz to new heights—making it the global cultural phenomenon it is today. We hope to resolve this amicably and quickly, and truly hope it’s just a misunderstanding.
Last year, the app’s owner Ryan Kavanaugh announced a merger with the company SeaChange. The new company, TrillerVerz, was supposed to go public this year. However, in June, the company announced, with little fanfare, that they were scrapping the collab. This isn’t stopping the company from going public by itself. However, this issue with Timb and Swizz Beatz might throw a wrench in their plans.
The Origin Of Verzuz And The Aftermath
Timbaland and Swizz started the Verzuz series in 2020 in the first year of the pandemic. Triller purchased the webcast just last year. The show continues to be popular amongst social media users, though some say they miss the old, more “authentic” format.
It’s uncertain who, at this point in time, is telling the truth. However, the facts are sure to come out in court when the time comes.
Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr
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