Universal Music Ends Deal with Dean Lewis Amid Allegations

Universal Music Group has ended its decade-long partnership with Australian singer-songwriter Dean Lewis, confirming the split amid allegations of misconduct involving fans.

A spokesperson for Universal Music Australia stated, "We can confirm that Dean Lewis is no longer signed to Universal Music Australia or any Universal Music Group label." The announcement came on Tuesday, with no official reason provided, though it follows reports from several women who accused Lewis of inappropriate online and in-person interactions over the past decade. The women, all adults, shared screenshots of text messages and audio recordings on social media platforms like TikTok in late October.

Lewis, 38, from Sydney, addressed the allegations in an Instagram post on October 30. "In the past few days, social media has made public a decade-plus of private conversations with a number of women, all of adult age," he wrote. He emphasized that the interactions involved consenting adults and denied any criminal behavior, but acknowledged the harm caused. "From the bottom of my heart, I want to sincerely apologise to those I've hurt. This is not only an apology to the women who have spoken up, but those...