Breach of Contract Woes for Latin Singer in Miami
Several Colombian government arts associations in Tunja, Colombia and Florida-based Miami Entertainment CMG accused famed Latin singer Paulina Rubio of a breach of contract after she failed to appear for a scheduled performance in Colombia back in November of 2010 as part of the Festival International Culture of Boyacá. The Tunjan government organizations and the entertainment company joined forces to file the breach of contract suit against Rubio in Miami.
Why was Rubio a no-show at her own concert?
Though Rubio claims she planned her trip according to the instructions outlined by both organizations, she experienced unforeseen challenges that prevented her from making the scheduled performance. The singer states that she planned on arriving at the scheduled venues, but was unable to land in Tunja. Both Miami Entertainment and the government of Tunja insist Rubio was made aware of the area’s limitations regarding travel when she entered into the agreement. Since Tunja does not maintain an airstrip, Rubio was told she would have to land elsewhere and be driven into the city. The singer supposedly landed in a nearby city on a private jet, and then refused to travel to Tunja overland with a military escort, a plan that the petitioners claim she agreed to previously. Though Rubio’s band and manager arrived in time for the August 2010 performance, she never showed up.
Miami-Dade jury will hear the case
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Abby Cynamon ruled in December 2013 that Rubio’s case will be heard by a jury, though a trial date has yet to be set.
What happens if the court rules against Rubio? If the alleged breach of contract is established in court, Rubio could potentially owe approximately $1 million in legal fees and interest on lost concert earnings.
The legal breakdown…
As the petitioners’ note, this alleged breach of contract resulted in lost revenue and damaged the reputation of both the Miami entertainment company and the venues in Tunja who claim they were not to blame for Rubio’s no-show. Breaching a contract can have far-reaching implications, and although Rubio argues she is not personally liable for her failure to deliver a performance, the Miami judge ruled that is something the jury will have to decide.