Here is what I'm 99% positive happened. When these opportunities came across BMG's desk someone reached out to Taylor's team saying they needed to talk and alluded to the fact that the rights to the songs for the Netflix doc could be denied and performing her songs in "live, recorded" events could be contested legally unless some concessions were made. Taylor and her team said "F this noise."

The contention that Taylor contractually owes the "hardworking team" (LOL) at BMG money for expenses is the oldest, vaguest trick in the book. I'm sure Taylor owes BMG for expenses incurred on her behalf. BMG also owes her money for royalties. These sorts of disputes simply take time and an independent review by an accounting firm to sort out. There is nothing to come to the table and discuss regarding this as the figures are based on contracts signed years ago and are still being tallied. The independent review needs to be done and then both parties review and sign off on the number and that's it. There is nothing new to be discussed or negotiated. BMG is using a standard industry practice but wording it in a way to imply that Taylor is purposely violating the agreement. If that were the case they would actually say this but they don't. They instead of use vague word salad in the statement to avoid a lawsuit.

These issues are present when all deals like this end. What normally happens is both parties work in good faith with each other as the accountants wade through the figures and settle the books. BMG has chosen to make things unnecessarily difficult...it is blatantly obvious.

The one contention I could see for BMG to deny the Netflix doc is the fear that Taylor would use the doc as a way to trash and defame BMG and Scooter. From a business perspective it makes absolute sense and is fair for them to make sure that wasn't the case. Taylor has already (purposely) noted in her statement that BMG or Scooter would not be addressed in the Netflix doc so that issue is settled. With this out of the way there is no legit reason for them to deny a licensing deal that would 1) Make them money and 2) Highlight the back catalogue of their biggest artist, leading to more revenue.

These are men used to getting their way that are upset at how badly they lost the last round and facing enormous pressure from the Carlyle Group about how much Taylor's back catalogue would be devalued if she rerecorded everything. Instead of licking their wounds and learning from their mistakes they are stupidly trying the same nonsense again because they are desperate, have massive egos and literally know no other way to do business.

Taylor is playing chess and these dudes are playing checkers. Very badly.