Malta’s entertainment industry has rallied behind the performers who are taking legal action over alleged unpaid fees connected to YADA’s Divas II – The Dance Show, saying their decision to speak out is a significant moment for the local arts scene.The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) issued a statement backing the group of artists, which includes Ira Losco and Destiny Chukunyere, after they filed a judicial protest claiming they were not fully paid for their work on the production.According to the court filing, the performers had agreed on their fees before rehearsals started and honoured every commitment expected of them, despite lengthy rehearsal schedules and passing up other paid opportunities.Rather than focusing on the details of the ongoing case, MEIA said the situation shines a spotlight on a much deeper problem affecting Malta’s creative sector.The association described the artists’ decision to act together as “courageous”, noting that many performers stay silent when disputes arise because speaking out can come at a personal and professional cost in such a close-knit industry.“Collective action is never an easy decision,” MEIA said, adding that the performers’ united front sends a clear message that artists deserve the same professional treatment and respect afforded to workers in any other industry.The organisation also stressed that paying creatives properly and on time is not simply good practice but a basic requirement for a healthy and sustainable cultural sector.To underline the scale of the issue, MEIA revealed that roughly four out of every five cases it handles for members relate to unpaid or delayed fees, unclear contracts or alleged breaches of agreed terms.It said fear continues to stop many artists from asserting their rights, with practitioners regularly expressing concerns that challenging clients or organisations could result in fewer job opportunities or even unofficial blacklisting.MEIA argued that these concerns are precisely why it has long advocated for a Legal Aid Support Fund through Arts Council Malta, saying artists should not have to choose between seeking justice and protecting their livelihoods.While encouraging performers facing payment disputes to seek advice before problems escalate, the association said legal proceedings are not always necessary. However, it insisted that the sector must move towards a culture where contracts are respected, payments are made on time and professional commitments are honoured as standard.What do you make of this?•