Universal Music Group (UMG) has strengthened its push to dismiss Limp Bizkit's royalties lawsuit, responding with detailed counterarguments to the band's $200 million claim.

Key Points of UMG's Defense:

• UMG maintains the allegations are "fiction" and any payment issues stemmed from Limp Bizkit's former business manager's misrepresentations
• The label argues that cross-account recoupments were explicitly allowed in their agreements
• UMG emphasizes that plaintiffs have failed to identify specific unpaid royalty transactions
• The company notes that Limp Bizkit has the right to audit Interscope's books under all three agreements

Legal Jurisdiction Issue:

• The relevant deal includes a New York forum-selection clause
• UMG argues the California-filed action should be heard in New York courts
• The validity of contract rescindment must be determined by New York jurisdiction

Background of the Case:

• Limp Bizkit and Fred Durst filed the lawsuit in October
• They allege over $200 million in damages from unpaid royalties
• Claims include "unsubstantiated" recoupment balances and "fraudulent accounting practices"
• The dispute involves a JV with Durst's Flawless Records and a separate Limp Bizkit deal

Current Status:

• Both parties have requested an early January hearing on the dismissal
• Limp Bizkit's representatives continue to challenge UMG's arguments
• The case (2:24-cv-08630) remains pending while awaiting the dismissal hearing

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