**Here’s Why Artists Are Terrified of Sony Music Entertainment**

Sony Music Entertainment, the second-largest music company globally, wields immense power over the industry, controlling iconic labels like Columbia, RCA, and Epic Records. However, behind its towering influence lies a dark history of artist exploitation, as revealed through decades of legal battles and personal testimonies.

From Michael Jackson to Kesha, numerous stars have faced Sony’s iron grip, exposing how the corporation often prioritizes profit over the well-being and creative freedom of its artists.

Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, had a prolific early relationship with Sony through Epic Records, producing some of history’s best-selling albums. However, tensions arose with Sony/ATV Music Publishing, a joint venture where Jackson owned half of a valuable catalog, including the Beatles’ songs.

When Jackson sought to exit his Sony contract in the early 2000s after releasing *Invincible*, the label allegedly retaliated by under-promoting the album, spending significantly less compared to other artists’ projects. Jackson publicly accused Sony’s then-president, Tommy Mottola, of racism and sabotage, even protesting outside Sony’s headquarters. After his tragic passing, Sony acquired his estate’s share of the catalog, securing what they seemingly wanted all along.

Kesha’s ordeal with Sony is equally harrowing. Signed under Dr. Luke’s Kemosabe Records, a Sony affiliate, she skyrocketed to fame with hits like *Tik Tok*. Yet, in 2014, she filed a lawsuit alleging years of abuse by Dr. Luke, seeking release from her contract.

Sony claimed they couldn’t intervene, despite operating as the parent company, effectively trapping Kesha in a deal with her alleged abuser. This halted her career for five years, from 2012 to 2017, costing her prime years and creative autonomy.

Mariah Carey’s story intertwines personal and professional control. Married to Tommy Mottola in 1993, she described their relationship and $30 million mansion as a prison, with security cameras and armed guards monitoring her every move.

Mottola allegedly stifled her urban musical roots, molding her into a mainstream pop icon while threatening her career if she resisted. Even after their 1998 divorce, Carey remained tied to Sony, forced to navigate a company led by her ex-husband.

George Michael took a bold stand against Sony in 1992, suing for what he termed “professional slavery” after the label allegedly sabotaged his album *Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1* for refusing promotional norms. Losing the case in 1994, he paid millions in legal fees and chose to halt his career rather than record for Sony again.

Similarly, Kelly Clarkson faced sabotage in 2007 when Sony BMG’s Clive Davis demanded changes to her album *My December*, offering $10 million to comply. Her refusal led to limited promotion and negative press orchestrated by the label.

These stories, alongside Shakira’s battle over publishing rights, reveal a pattern: Sony often transforms dreams into cages, exploiting artists’ voices and creativity.

While not the only label with such practices, Sony’s history stands out, leaving a trail of broken careers and silenced voices, as artists continue to fight for control and fairness.