Chipotle Sues Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean

According to the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, FRANK OCEAN is being sued by the CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL, INC.for allegedly failing to deliver a promotional song for an ad campaign.  The suit was filed on FRIDAY in LOS ANGELES Superior Court and is asking for the $212,500 OCEAN was paid up front--in addition to the possibilities of other damages.

In correspondence presented within the suit, the song "Pure Imagination" (From the 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory) was slated to be used in the short form music video "The Scarecrow" in synchronization with a mobile device game and was to be made available as a digital download for sale or streaming--all part of CHIPOTLE's Scarecrow marketing campaign.  As stated in the suit, the intention was to raise awareness of the dangers of industrial farming and promote local sustainable-sourced food.

The scheduled deadline for delivery was AUGUST 7th, 2013 which was the day allegedly OCEAN  came to the recording studio to perform the track and refused to do so.  According to CHIPOTLE, later that evening he communicated his refusal was based on his objection to the use of the CHIPOTLE logo at the end of the video.

In court documents OCEAN's legal representatives responded to CHIPOTLE's allegations in writing that he was originally told the thrust of the campaign was responsible farming--there was never any CHIPOTLE reference or logo in the initial presentation and it was an intentional element of the campaign.  Also, OCEAN's side alleges he was supposed to have the right to approve the master and all advertising with the project.  When CHIPOTLE breached the agreement for prior approval--Ocean had the right to terminate.

CHIPOTLE's lawsuit claims FRANK OCEAN was aware of all their official involvement and all contractual obligations.  Subsequently FIONA APPLE completed the project.

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