Winehouse Faces Legal Action Over Paris No-Show

Organizers of Paris music fest may take singer to court over last minute cancellation due to illness

By Gina Serpe Sep 02, 2008 3:37 PMTags
Amy WinehouseGoff/INFphoto.com

If Amy Winehouse thinks she can take an unlimited number of sick days without consequence, some French officials have a message for her: au contraire.

The ever-troubled British songbird is facing possible legal action from the organizers of Paris' Rock En Seine musicfest after she pulled out of a Friday headlining gig just hours before she was expected to hit the stage, citing, per usual, an unspecified illness.

Organizers of the three-day music festival said they were given just two hours' notice that Winehouse would not be appearing, and they weren't satisfied with her justification for the no-show.

"Because of the conditions of this cancellation, the festival has taken the decision to start legal proceedings," reads a message on the festival's website.

"We were told by Amy Winehouse's agent at 8 p.m. that she would not be there, and we were forced to cancel the performance. We still have not been given any explanation of the exact reasons for her absence."

Winehouse's reps have yet to comment on the threat of legal action. On Friday, her spokesman simply announced that the singer "was regrettably unable to perform...due to illness."

An additional statement on the Rock En Seine website apologizes to ticket holders for the "last minute" pullout.

"We are very sorry about this situation and share the disappointment of the festival-goers."

As for Winehouse, barring any unforeseen immune system failures, the 24-year-old is next scheduled to appear at England's Bestival festival on the Isle of Wight this Saturday.