Prince Sued for Not Promoting His Fragrance

Chances are you didn't know because Prince never promoted it

Updated 2:48 PM EST, Tue, Nov 18, 2008

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Did you know Prince had a fragrance called 3121 after his 2006 album? You might have known intuitively because everyone has a fragrance these days (look for the Cut's Blogosphere with notes of bergamot and orange peel in 2009). But chances are you didn't know because Prince never promoted it. Perfume maker Revelations inked a licensing deal with Prince in December 2006 but sued the singer yesterday for $100,000 for failing to help market his scent. In exchange for 50 percent of 3121's profits, Universal was supposed to arrange for Prince to participate in marketing opportunities, but Revelations asserts, "Since July 2007, despite repeated attempts by Revelations there have been virtually no communications from anyone who could commit to or coordinate any promotional efforts by Prince."

Universal says the claims are "completely without merit." But according to a USA Today article about the scent dated July 4, 2007, Prince "decreed a purple and gold box, an emerald-cut violet bottle, a vertically stacked logo and no photos of him on the package." Fishy. Also, he didn't talk to USA Today for the piece because he "seldom comments about such ventures." Well, at least it's getting press again!

Perfume maker sues musician Prince [Reuters]

Previously on The Cut...