Drake's manager, Future, has stated in a new interview that Apple never threatened Tidal with a lawsuit over livestreaming Drake's appearance in a recent charity concert. Tidal blocked Drake's performance at the event, blaming Apple's threats of litigation for the takedown.
We recently reported that Tidal blocked Drake's performance from their exclusive livestream of Lil Wayne's Lil WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans, which benefited the Carter Fund for young Hurricane Katrina Victims. Tidal claimed, in a series of tweets, that Apple was the reason for the removal, and that the company had threatened Tidal with a $20 million lawsuit based on its exclusive deal with Drake for Apple Music. Tidal's tweets claimed: "Apple is interfering with artistry and will not allow this artist to stream. Sorry for Big Brother's inconvenience. We'll be back after the performance."
Manager Future claims that the story is untrue, however, and that it was his decision alone to block the broadcast.
"The decision to not have Drake participate in the Tidal steam has nothing to do with Apple or Drake's deal," Future stated. "Point blank, 100 percent. I made a business decision. Apple doesn't have the power to stop us from being part of a live stream. The only people that have the power to do that are Cash Money and Universal, and they're our partners."
Future claims that Tidal chose to falsely spin the story as a "publicity stunt" and explained that his reason for pulling the plug on the Drake livestream had to do with lack of control over how the performance was presented.
Tidal's spokesperson responded to Future's claims with the following: "We have all the email receipts and written correspondence that took place with said, blocked performance. That being said we choose to keep it classy. Great show to all the performers. Great performance Wayne. God Bless New Orleans. Ten years stronger."
Tidal, however, did not furnish any copies of the written correspondence they cited in their response and refused requests to view them.
