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NEW DIRECTION: Rita Ora

RITA ORA suing Jay Z’s Roc Nation label claiming it is in violation of California’s ‘seven-year rule’.

The 25-year-old X Factor judge has only released one album since her signing in 2008 at the age of 18 - her 2012 self-titled debut.

Ora says the company’s change in direction led to her being forgotten about.

The lawsuit cites Roc Nation's interest in sports management and other endeavours like streaming service Tidal as specific examples.

“When Rita signed, Roc Nation and its senior executives were very involved with her as an artist,” the complaint states, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“As Roc Nation's interests diversified, there were fewer resources available and the company suffered a revolving door of executives.

“Rita's remaining supporters at the label left or moved on to other activities, to the point where she no longer had a relationship with anyone at the company.”

In an attempt to break her contract, Rita is citing Labour Code 2855, known colloquially as the ‘Seven Year Rule’.

Created in 1937, it became known as the "de Havilland law", after actress Olivia de Havilland used it to fight the then oppressive studio contract system. Metallica and Courtney Love- among others - have used it in the past to either get out of or renegotiate their deals.

Rita’s attorney Howard King said he hopes the judge can see that the same circumstances as Olivia’s case can be applied to Rita.

The complaint continues: “Rita's relationship with Roc Nation is irrevocably damaged.

“Fortunately for Rita, the California legislature had the foresight to protect its artists from the sorts of vicissitudes she's experienced with Roc Nation.”