EXO alum Tao's (Huang Zitao) feud with SM Entertainment is not going to end soon. The pop star claimed that the South Korean label was making false accusations in an effort to turn his fans against him.
In September, SM Entertainment filed a lawsuit against Tao, along with the company that produced his solo album, saying that he failed to fulfill his commitment to the record label. According to the company's statement, via All Kpop, Tao did not give SM Entertainment the proper notice, adding that the singer participated in multiple "illegal celebrity activities" without their consent.
It was said that he was using the fame he achieved from EXO to further his solo career. Tao's former record label also pointed out that his actions negatively affect the vibrant relationship of Korea and China.
In response, Tao held that he only terminated his contract with SM Entertainment had been "mistreating" him. According to his official statement, via the International Business Times, the record label was discriminating between Korean and Chinese celebrities. Tao explained that he went through severe mental and physical stress during his time with EXO.
Tao's father reportedly tried to negotiate with SM Entertainment eight times but his plea only fell on deaf ears. As they perceived that the company was insincere in addressing the problems, they decided to file a contract nullification lawsuit on Aug. 24.
After reading SM Entertainment's official statement, Tao believed that the latter was trying to ruin his career by saying that the lawsuit will affect cultural exchanges between the two countries.