Soca artiste Ebony T is demanding answers from the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission after being excluded from the Party Monarch 2025 semifinals despite her score sheet indicating she placed 15th.
In a formal letter from Attorney-at-Law Merna Solomon, of Christopher and Associates, dated July 11 and addressed to the Commission’s top officials, attorneys representing Ebony T (real name Ebony Thomas) expressed serious concern over what they described as procedural irregularities and a lack of transparency surrounding the competition’s quarterfinal results.
According to the letter, the official list of 15 semifinalists was published on July 3. Ebony T’s name was absent from that list. However, a week later, on July 10, she received her individual score sheet showing she had in fact placed 15th—making her eligible for advancement.
Her lawyers claim this discrepancy calls into question not only her personal exclusion but the overall fairness of the adjudication process.
The letter also questions why Ebony T was not included in an additional round created for performers ranked 16th to 20th, after public outcry prompted a decision to expand opportunities for those who had not advanced.
“This is not just about one artist,” the letter stated. “It is about fairness for all participants who put their time, energy, and creativity into this national event.”
Ebony T’s legal team has requested a written response from the Commission within five business days.
The Commission has not yet issued a public response.
