Sony Music Entertainment is trying to soften the blow of a breach of contract lawsuit they filed on July 17 against the Dixie Chicks. According to Country.com, the music company released a statement explaining their reasons for filing the suit.

"We filed this complaint to confirm that the Dixie Chicks remain signed to an exclusive recording contract with Sony Music. We take great pride in the work we have done in establishing the Dixie Chicks as the most popular and biggest selling female country group of all time. We have tremendous respect for all of the Dixie Chicks, as well as for their extraordinary music," the statement read.

Sony executives felt the need to use this measure because they said the Chicks were attempting to renounce their contract with the label. Aside from this statement, Sony and the Chicks are remaining silent on the subject thus far.