Music does not always soften morals. There French Music Federation (FFMusique) has just announced that it is taking legal action against Lille Grand Palais for “sabotage”. In a press release, it claims “damages of between 17 and 22 million euros, depending on the damage caused to the partners”. As for the Lille event site, we say we are “surprised” by this action.
The affair begins in May behind the scenes of the organization of a big event. On its website, the FFMusique announces the organization of a major exhibition called Made (Music and dance international exhibition) in July 2024. In a press release, this association explains having “requested a quote from the Lille Grand Palais sales department for the rental space for the organization of an event. So far, nothing exceptional.
“Incorrect quotes” and “illegal clauses”
“We are used to dealing with this type of private law contract. An option has been taken on a date while waiting to finalize the rental contract for the space,” explains a spokesperson for Lille Grand Palais to 20 minutes. But on the FFMusique side, another verse is advanced. “FFMusique was confronted with several erroneous quotes and a contract containing illegal clauses from the LGP sales department. Despite discussions between May 2023 and September 2023, no response was provided to make the agreement a reality,” specifies the association.
The dispute turned into a legal fight between lawyers, leading, on September 29, to a decision by the management of Lille Grand Palais to “lift the option, for lack of having found a commercial agreement”, explains the latter. Response from the association which considers itself wronged. “The FFMusique intends to bring this matter before the courts to obtain justice and reparation for the damage suffered, in particular vis-à-vis the partners of the event,” she assures.
Lille Grand Palais is a company linked to the city of Lille which is the main shareholder. “We are concessionaires of the venue as well as the neighboring performance hall, the Zénith”, underlines the management which indicates that “this is the first time that a disagreement over the organization of an event has ended in court” .