TikTok slams Universal Music Group's 'self-serving actions' after failed licensing deal

TikTok on Wednesday hit back at Universal Music Group (UMG) after they failed to reach a new licensing agreement.

In a statement, the video-sharing platform expressed disappointment at UMG for putting "their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters."

"TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher," it said. "Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans."

UMG previously accused TikTok of "trying to build a music-based business, without paying fair value for the music," and said it could not agree on "appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users."

TikTok said these accusations were "false."

"The fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent," TikTok said.

Following the failed licensing deal, all of the songs under UMG, which manages artists like Taylor Swift, BTS, Bad Bunny and many more, will be removed from TikTok. —JCB, GMA Integrated News