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Record label denies Taylor Swift's claims over old music

Taylor Swift arrives at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, April 1, 2012 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Taylor Swift arrives at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 2012 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Taylor Swift has been accused of creating a narrative that “does not exist”, after she claimed her former record company was blocking her from performing her old songs at an awards show.

The singer posted a message on social media saying Scott Borchetta, who founded her former label Big Machine Records, and talent manager Scooter Braun, who bought the label, wouldn’t let her perform her songs at the American Music Awards.

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Swift also suggested they were getting in the way of her performance footage being used in a Netflix programme.

She told fans: “The message being sent to me is very clear. Basically, be a good little girl and shut up. Or you’ll be punished.”

However, the company has issued a statement saying they were shocked to see Swift’s comments.

The statement said: “At no point did we say Taylor could not perform on the AMAs or block her Netflix special.

“In fact, we do not have the right to keep her from performing live anywhere.”

The firm claimed the star “has admitted to contractually owing millions of dollars and multiple assets to our company”.

It continued: “We have worked diligently to have a conversation about these matters with Taylor and her team to productively move forward.”

It continued: “However, despite our persistent efforts to find a private and mutually satisfactory solution, Taylor made a unilateral decision last night to enlist her fanbase in a calculated manner that greatly affects the safety of our employees and their families.”

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The statement said: “Taylor, the narrative you have created does not exist. All we ask is to have a direct and honest conversation.”

According to Variety, a spokesperson for Swift has rubbished the claim about money, saying an auditor has determined that Big Machine owes Swift six million pounds in unpaid royalties.

Representatives for Swift have been contacted for comment.