Cold River Records And Artist Katie Armiger Settle Legal Dispute

Settlement reached

As COLD RIVER RECORDS prepares to shut down operations before the end of the year (NET NEWS 9/17), a long simmering legal dispute between the label and one of its former artists has come to an end. Label founder and Pres. PETE O’HEERON and artist KATIE ARMIGER, who previously traded lawsuits against one another, issued a joint statement today (10/25) revealing that they have “reached a mutually agreeable settlement of the litigation arising out of the termination of ARMIGER’S management by COLD RIVER RECORDS.” ARMIGER had claimed that during her time on the label, she had been subject to sexual harassment at the hands of radio personnel (NET NEWS 10/23/17).

“Neither party has admitted any wrongdoing or liability, nor has any court ruled on the merits of either party’s claims or counterclaims,” the statement said. “In order to avoid the expense, burden, and uncertainty associated with litigation, however, and in order to resolve the litigation completely, the parties have entered into a confidential settlement agreement.”

Here’s the full text of the statement:

“For her part, Ms. ARMIGER regrets any potentially damaging comments made by friends or fans about Mr. O’HEERON and COLD RIVER RECORDS and recognizes that Mr. O’HEERON was not individually responsible for the entirety of the negative experiences she faced in the Country music industry. Ms. ARMIGER recognizes that, although she and Mr. O’HEERON had creative differences, his intentions and interactions with her were wholeheartedly aimed at promoting the best interests of her career. She is grateful to Mr. O’HEERON for his guidance and contributions to her career and thanks her friends and fans for their continued support.

“For his part, Mr. O’HEERON is disappointed that Ms. ARMIGER encountered any negative experiences by other industry professionals with whom she worked while promoting her music. Mr. O’HEERON recognizes the many challenges faced by women in Country music and sincerely hopes that the industry changes for the better. Mr. O’HEERON and COLD RIVER RECORDS wish Ms. ARMIGER the best of luck with her career.

“The parties are pleased to resolve this matter,” the statement concludes. “To allow both parties to move forward, they will not publicly discuss their settlement or the lawsuits that led to it.”

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