Christina Aguilera's 'VIP' Fans May Get Bilked Out Of Ticket Refunds
Buying VIP tickets is supposed to make you feel like a winner, but some Christina Aguilera fans who bought them are feeling like losers. Nearly two months after the singer's summer tour was canceled, these fans have yet to see a refund.
When the singer first called off her 29-date outing with Chingy, the second leg of her Stripped tour, fans were told that refunds could be obtained at the point of purchase (see [article id="1486695"]"Christina Calls Off Tour With Chingy Due To Vocal Strain"[/article]). However, those who bought VIP tickets -- which would land them seats in the first 20 rows, get them backstage and even give them a chance to meet Aguilera, for a cost of several hundred dollars -- were told that they would receive their refund on the credit card used to purchase the tickets. "You do not need to take any action to receive your refund," read a notice posted at Xposed, Aguilera's fan club, on April 29.
On May 11, an update posted on the Xposed Web site reiterated that there was no need to take any action, and promised that refunds would be issued "immediately." "All refunds will be complete within 15 business days," the notice read.
That self-imposed deadline of May 31 came and went, though, and several weeks later, fans were notified that FansRULE, the fan-club service company which operates Aguilera's fan club, as well as ones for Destiny's Child, Jewel and Aerosmith, had gone bankrupt -- as of November.
Since filing for Chapter 11, the company apparently had run out of money and was trying to get a loan, but had failed. "FansRULE regrets that the refunds for the canceled Christina Aguilera 2004 tour cannot be paid at this time," read their statement to fans this week. "What should be made clear is that the inability to refund payments made for tickets is in no way the fault of Christina Aguilera. We understand that this puts a great many of you in a difficult situation, and are hopeful for a speedy resolution to this problem."
Aguilera's management also sent a notice to fans, letting them know that the singer was upset about the problem as well and that they were working to rectify the problem.
"We are writing to let you know how sorry Christina feels that you have not received your refunds," management's message read. "Our expectation was that the refunds would be made by May 31. We have been actively and aggressively pursuing FansRULE to cause them to refund the money, but, as of this date, our efforts have been unsuccessful."
Aguilera's management also suggested that fans contact their credit-card companies and try to cancel the transaction, "to the extent that you are able."
"Naturally we want to see these refunds completed to everyone as soon as possible," FansRULE club manager Nicole St. Jean said.