Performers slam event producer over claims he failed to pay them nearly $200,000

Aussie performers have slammed an event producer after claims has failed to pay them almost $200,000.

Producer Bass Fam, who has staged events at the likes of the Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Fringe Festival, owes at least $182,000 to artists and a lighting design company, News Corp reported.

However, the publication also claims sources say many more were owed money, by Mr Fam's company Bass Fam Creative.

Performers from the shows Matador, Mansion, Memories, and Oracle, have been chasing money they claim is owed to them for more than two years, with the publication reporting artists' agencies had raised concerns over non-payment in 2022.

The show Oracle, for example, was described as 'an intoxicating spectacle [of] the 12 zodiac myths, explored thematically through live vocals, world class circus acts, mesmerising aerials and steamy burlesque numbers'.

The show enjoyed sold out seasons in Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide as well as a debut Sydney season at the Sydney Opera House in 2022.

Performers claimed that despite being offered a payment plan, no money had been forthcoming in months.

An email sent to a cast member claimed that once the business could establish 'consistent cash flow' a manageable payment plan would be put in place.

The email stated that it would be 'more attainable to create a payment plan that I could stick to which would consist of regular small payments, with lump sum injections from any additional big jobs/events.'

Australian burlesque performer Bettie Bombshell, who was in the cast of Oracle, claims that she is owed $7,000 as well as superannuation.

She told News Corp that the issue had been continuing for two years telling the publication that she was tempted to take a large gold martini prop glass as payment before changing her mind.

'Upon reflection and some very major events happening in my personal life I realised I couldn’t pay my rent and bills with a prop,' she said.

'So I messaged him to say that would no longer work, and that I was in a bit of trouble financially. He still didn’t pay me. He contractually agreed to pay me $7,000. The prop was worth about $3,000.'

Another performer, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed that payments started arriving late which the cast and crew were initially sympathetic to.

However, the performer claimed that Mr Fam had gone to Europe to explore event opportunities with money outstanding.

Acknowledging the Europe trip to News Corp, Mr Fam claimed he had meetings in London about staging the show Matador, which did not come to pass.  

'Everything almost went ahead, I have no reason to lie are you f**king kidding me?' he said. 

'I have been doubted and mocked and ridiculed for trying to do things that are way beyond what other people are even trying.'

Mr Fam added that he had been told to liquidate the company, which is something he 'could not' do as nobody would get paid.

'We own nothing. There are no assets in the company's name and if I do no one gets paid,' Mr Fam said.

'I am only liable for everyone’s super and the two bank loans I have taken out as I have signed as a director. 

'No one’s invoices get paid if I liquidate, it will be thrown away and that will be a heartbreaking end to the f**king struggle that I have gone through.'

The publication also claimed that a Victorian-based lighting company, which had worked with the company for 'years' was owed $157,000.

Mr Fam acknowledged that he did owe the money, but claimed there were 'discrepancies in the invoices' that, once resolved by mid-2023, could not be paid as there 'was no money.'

A candid Mr Fam added that the situation and his businesses dwindling cash flow had caused a 'total mental and emotional breakdown.'

He added that he is now in a much better place and has paid back more then $47,000 worth of invoices.

He also claimed that the artists would receive a lump sum payment by Christmas. 

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Bass Fam for comment.